(The Center Square) – Washington state s Premera Blue Cross members have two weeks until a contract with MultiCare Health Systems expires, removing their access to around 1,000 health care providers
(Seattle, WA, June 27, 2023) - Today, Lambda Legal, Sirianni Youtz Spoonemore Hamburger PLLC, and QLaw Foundation of Washington filed a federal class action lawsuit on behalf of 15-year-old transgender adolescent A.B. and his parents challenging Premera Blue Cross arbitrary and categorical policy to deny coverage for gender-affirming chest surgery for patients under 18, regardless of the patient s medical needs. Identified by his initials, A.B. s medical providers recommended gender-affirming chest surgery as treatment for his gender dysphoria, but Premera has refused to authorize coverage for the surgery that A.B., his parents, and medical providers all agree is necessary and appropriate.