Independence Blue Cross (IBX) and Independence Administrators are updating their medical policy coverage for Gender-Affirming Interventions effective January 1, 2024:
Specifically, IBX and Independence Administrators will offer medically necessary coverage for:
- Facial and neck reconstruction procedures (i.e., facial/neck feminization and masculinization)
- Voice modification therapy and voice modification surgery
- Gender-affirming chest surgical procedure for individuals under 18 years of age
The updated medical policy applies to all members that have the standard gender-affirming benefit across Commercial and Medicare Advantage. This does not affect members of plans that currently do not cover gender-affirming care.
To view any specific policy, you can also use the Medical and Claim Payment Policy Portal by searching for the associated policy number, title, or key word (e.g., 11.09.02o, Gender-Affirming Interventions, gender-affirming, voice modification).