Lena’s Transformation
Q. Does the plan cover facial feminization or masculinization procedures?
A: Yes, the plan covers facial feminization or masculinization procedures, including work on the forehead, brow, eyes, nose, jaw, lips, cheeks, and chin for contouring, augmentation, or reduction.
Lena had always felt a disconnect between her inner identity and her physical appearance. As a transgender woman, she knew that her facial features—like her broad jawline and pronounced brow—didn’t reflect the woman she truly was. After years of hormone therapy, she decided to undergo facial feminization surgery (FFS) to reshape her forehead, jaw, nose, and eyes, but the cost of the procedure was daunting.
One day, Lena shared her concerns with Tom, a close colleague. Tom, familiar with the health benefits, reassured her, “The plan covers facial feminization procedures, including work on your forehead, brow, nose, and jaw. It’s part of the Gender Affirmation Benefit.”
Lena was relieved. She contacted the benefits coordinator and confirmed that her surgeries were covered under the plan. Months later, after the procedure, Lena felt like a new person. Her face aligned with her identity, and she could finally see the woman she had always been inside.