Should the city’s health plans for city workers cover gender-reassignment surgery?

“First, there needs to be an extensive battery of tests conducted [on the patient] to screen out frivolous requests. If it’s being done for cosmetic reasons, I say no. Taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot that bill. The surgery costs a lot of money. But, if it’s truly a medical necessity, then the city should cover the procedure. It’s the right thing to do.”

“No. The city isn’t in a position to pay for something like that. It’s elective surgery. It’s not the city’s responsibility to fund it. It’s up to the person to come up with the money, if that’s their choice.”

“Yes, because this is a medical condition that can be devastating. I’m against suicide. I’m all for everything that can be done to prevent suicide. If the transgender worker is in a deep depression or is suicidal, definitely the city should cover the surgery. But not if it’s being done just for the sake of doing it. It has to be a serious medical condition.”

“Yes. I’m pro-LGBT. I think it’s wrong that the surgery isn’t covered now. It’s dis-crimination based on gender identity. In this day and age, that’s unacceptable. There’s rampant discrimination against the transgender community. This is just one example that needs to be rectified.”