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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.

From WICD:

“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.

Read more at WICD

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.

 Thoughts on the addition?

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