US federal workers challenge Trump policy on gender-affirming care

A group of federal government employees on Thursday filed a class action complaint against President Donald Trump's administration over a new policy that will eliminate coverage for gender-affirming care in federal health insurance programs.



The Human Rights Campaign Foundation made the complaint against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management on behalf of the federal employees as the new policy took effect with the start of tthe new year.



OPM in an August letter stated that in 2026 “chemical and surgical modification of an individual's sex traits through medical interventions” will no longer be covered under health insurance programs for federal employees and U.S. postal workers.



OPM officials could not be reached for immediate comment.



The complaint argues that the policy is discriminatory on the basis of sex. It asks that the policy be rescinded and seeks payment for economic damages and other relief.