Policy: Gender Reassignment Surgery for Gender Identity Disorder
Policy Number: UM.SURG.06
Last Update: 2019-07-01
Next Update: 2020-07-01
Issued in: Vermont

Youth Services:

Initiation of feminizing/masculinizing hormone therapy, preferably for members under the age of 18 with parental or legal guardian consent, may be provided after a psychosocial assessment has been conducted and informed consent has been obtained by a health professional.

Exception to the age 18 criteria

Chest surgery in female to male individuals could be considered medically after one year of living in the desired gender role and one year of testosterone treatment. The intent of this sequence is to give adolescents sufficient opportunity to experience and socially adjust in a more masculine gender role, before undergoing irreversible surgery.

Additionally, for those under 18 years of age, the following must be submitted as evidence of puberty completion.*

* Evidence of puberty completion:

a) Documented tanner stage IV or V for members aged 15-18, and

b) Stable height measurements for 6 months, or

c) Puberty completion as shown on wrist radiograph