U of I Board approves gender reassignment medical coverage
The University of Illinois’ Board of Trustees voted to add ‘Gender Confirmation Surgery’ to student health insurance.
The vote, which landed with 8 out of 9 in favor of the addition, means that transgender students would be allowed to undergo sexual reassignment surgery, and be covered under the student health plan.
“Being able to confirm their gender would relieve a lot of that sort of mental and psychological anguish that comes with gender dysphoria,” said Justin Ostrowski, a senior in LAS and supporter of the change.
University officials estimate the addition increases current health insurance by 15 percent or $2 for undergraduate students and $3 for graduate students.
At least 50 institutions cover the surgery, including University of Maryland College Park and University of Illinois at Chicago.
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