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Military Benefits Could Cover Sex Reassignment for Transgender Veterans

U.S. Military
U.S. Army/Flickr

The Department of Veterans Affairs has proposed lifting the ban on medical coverage for “gender alterations.”

Transgender veterans could soon cover their medical bills from transitioning with their military benefits, thanks to a proposed rule change by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The VA would remove "gender alterations" from the treatments that are restricted from coverage.

"In light of medical advances and recent research, VA would revise its regulation to remove the prohibition on medical services that are considered gender alterations," a statement from the Office of Information and Regulation said.

The VA is moving to change the policy to match a similar change in Medicare coverage two years ago.

Despite this move, active-duty transgender soldiers still face discharge if they come out about their gender identity. Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced a plan that would allow transgender soldiers to serve openly, but military officials missed the deadline.

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