Eleventh Circuit Ruling Mandating Gender Dysphoria Coverage in Employer Health Plans for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia

gender dysphoria benefits coverage

Share This Post

What we know:
  • The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, which includes Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, has ruled that an employer’s health plan excluding treatment for gender dysphoria, including gender-affirming surgery, violates Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act. Title VII’s broad applicability to both private and public employers, requires businesses in these states to revise their health plans to include gender dysphoria coverage. There are some exceptions for small employers.
  • Florida has filed an appeal against the decision that blocked state restrictions on gender-affirming care. This appeal seeks to overturn the ruling that the restrictions are unconstitutional and discriminatory against transgender individuals.
What organizations can do right now:
  • Engage legal counsel and human resources experts to ensure that current health plans adhere to all federal and state regulations.
  • Establish a process for ongoing monitoring and compliance with the evolving laws and regulations.
 

Organizations with religious objections to providing this coverage should consult legal counsel to explore options under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Ensure any actions taken are legally sound and documented.

By Bridgette Bradley, MSM, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get the latest HR News and Events

More To Explore

HR

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Government Contractors

Numerous AI platforms exist that are designed to assist government contractors with finding opportunities and developing proposals. Caution does need to be exercised to ensure that the use of AI

Ready to start a project with us?

Receive the latest HR news

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get notified about new articles and events in HR