Trans woman wins fight against insurer over surgery coverage

NEW YORK — Ida Hammer has resolved a claim against MVP Health Care after the insurer denied coverage of her sex reassignment surgery, under the grounds they claimed the procedure was “cosmetic”

The insurer will now cover the medically necessary procedure after a suit by Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund forced the company to reconsider.

“I have been undergoing treatment for gender dysphoria for the past five years.  My doctors determined that surgery is the only adequate treatment for my condition,” said Ms. Hammer. “My insurance company should not be second-guessing my doctors.  I’m relieved that it is finally treating me fairly and covering the health care I need.”