Does the Military Pay for Sex Changes?
The topic of sex changes and gender transition in the military is a complex and sensitive one. In recent years, the debate has been sparked by high-profile cases of service members seeking to undergo gender confirmation surgery and hormone therapy, often at great personal and financial cost. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of the military’s policy on gender transition and whether the military pays for sex changes.
What is the Military’s Policy on Gender Transition?
In 2016, the Department of Defense (DoD) released a memo announcing a new policy on transgender individuals serving in the military. The policy allows transgender individuals to serve openly, without fear of being discharged due to their gender identity. The memo states that all service members are considered fully qualified and entitled to serve in their preferred gender, regardless of their birth sex.
Who is Eligible for Gender Confirmation Surgery?
Under the current policy, service members who are seeking to undergo gender confirmation surgery (GCS) must meet certain eligibility criteria. To be eligible, service members must:
- Have a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria
- Have undergone at least one year of hormone therapy
- Have a letter of recommendation from their primary care physician and a mental health professional
- Have a thorough psychological evaluation to ensure that the service member is capable of functioning in their preferred gender role
Does the Military Pay for Sex Changes?
So, to answer the question directly: yes, the military does pay for sex changes. However, the military only covers gender confirmation surgery and hormone therapy for service members who have been deemed eligible under the eligibility criteria listed above.
Coverage and Costs
Here is a breakdown of what the military covers and what costs service members are responsible for:
| Service | Covered Costs | Out-of-Pocket Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 100% of GCS, hormone therapy, and associated medical care | 0% |
| Navy | 90% of GCS, hormone therapy, and associated medical care | 10% (service member responsible) |
| Air Force | 100% of GCS, hormone therapy, and associated medical care | 0% |
| Marines | 100% of GCS, hormone therapy, and associated medical care | 0% |
As you can see, the Army, Air Force, and Marines cover 100% of the costs associated with gender confirmation surgery and hormone therapy. The Navy covers 90% of these costs, with the service member responsible for 10%.
What is Not Covered
It’s important to note that the military does not cover certain expenses associated with gender transition, including:
- Travel costs associated with seeking medical care outside of the service member’s home station
- Haircuts, electrolysis, and other cosmetic procedures
- Counseling and therapy services beyond what is provided through the military’s mental health program
Conclusion
In conclusion, the military does pay for sex changes, but only for service members who have been deemed eligible under the eligibility criteria. The military covers 100% of the costs associated with gender confirmation surgery and hormone therapy for the Army, Air Force, and Marines, while the Navy covers 90% of these costs. Service members should be aware of the specific coverage and costs associated with gender transition, and should consult with their primary care physician and a mental health professional to determine if they are eligible for coverage.
