To the Editor,
We were delighted to read the well-written story in The Post on Oct. 1 about the lives of students who identify as transgender, the struggles and challenges they face, as well as the joy of being able to step fully into their identity.
One of the exciting developments is that Ohio University’s Campus Care is now staffed with physicians and counselors knowledgeable about issues experienced by transgender students. Another important issue noted in the article is that OU’s student health insurance plan covers the cost of transgender care, including hormone therapy and various types of gender affirmation surgeries.
We feel it significant to bring to the attention of the university community that although the student insurance plan covers health care costs for transgender services, the faculty and staff insurance plan is carried by a different insurance company and does not cover transgender health care services.
When we point out this disparity to students and others, they are astounded. The cost of such services would be minimal indeed, in comparison to all the other services that are covered by our faculty/staff Anthem Blue Cross health care.
Currently, OU’s Human Resources department is surveying faculty and staff about the health care issues that are of importance to them with regard to insurance coverage. The survey will help them determine other services that should be covered in order to provide full and equitable healthcare for all members of the university community. One of the core values of OU is our commitment to diversity and just treatment of all members of the university community. Based on this value, we encourage faculty and staff to consider advocating for coverage of transgender healthcare for faculty and staff as they complete the Human Resources survey.
We feel this represents an inequity that should be addressed, and that OU could distinguish itself as truly being an ally to their faculty and staff who are transgender and an LGBT welcoming campus community.
Jaylynne N. Hutchinson is an Ohio University professor of Critical/Cultural Studies in Education. Dr. Katy Kropf is a physician providing transgender health services at University Medical Associates. Delfin Bautista is the director of Ohio University’s LGBT Center.
