Overview
At SPARC, we aim to have benefit offerings for our employees that promote and align with our mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is why we provide a wide selection of benefits that are meant to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and programs that we offer to support our LGBTQIA+ employees and their family members.
Gender-Affirming Care
SPARC’s medical plans provide coverage for gender-affirming services.
Anthem
Anthem offers plan members the following gender affirming surgeries:
Male to Female
- Gender transitioning lower body surgeries
- Hair removal procedures to treat donor sites for planned gender transitioning procedures
Female to Male
- Breast/chest surgery
- Gender transitioning lower body surgeries
- Hair removal procedures to treat donor sites for planned gender transitioning procedures
To learn more about these services review the Anthem resources.
Kaiser Permanente
The Kaiser Permanente plan provides medically necessary benefits in connection with gender affirmation,* including:
- Gender affirming lower body surgeries
- Tracheal shave
- Mastectomy with chest reconstruction
- Hormone therapy
- Mental health services
- Additional procedures such as facial hair removal, breast augmentation, and facial reconstructive surgery may be covered if the member’s condition meets the requirements of the reconstructive surgery statue.
Services that are "cosmetic" (i.e., intended primarily to change or maintain appearance) are generally excluded, unless the services are determined to be medically necessary by a Plan physician.
Learn more about these services by reviewing these resources.
You may be eligible for short-term disability if you are unable to work as a result of receiving gender-affirming treatment.
*Surgeries require prior authorization, must be deemed medically necessary by your doctor, and require documentation of marked and sustained gender dysphoria.
Transgender Support Center
When you and your dependents are enrolled in coverage through one of SPARC’s medical plans, certain services such as gender affirming surgery and medical services to treat gender dysphoria are included in your coverage with applicable coinsurance.
The following criteria must be met in order to approve gender affirming surgery:
- Individual must be at least 18 years of age
- Individual must have the capacity to make decisions and consent to care
- Individual must be diagnosed with gender dysphoria
To learn more about these services review the Anthem and Kaiser Permanente resources.
HIV Prevention
SPARC’s medical plans provide coverage for HIV-related care, including:
- HIV testing
- Non-Medicare prescription drug plans
- Pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP), including the injectable PrEP treatment, at no cost to you
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART), including the injectable treatment
Emotional Well-being Support
Your individuality is valued at SPARC, and you deserve a space where your mental health is prioritized and understood whether you’re transitioning, dealing with challenges, or focused on your overall emotional well-being. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential 24/7 counseling services via phone, face-to-face, or online live counseling sessions. Go to https://www.anthemEAP.com (enter SPARC to log in) or call 800-865-1044 to explore your mental health needs.
Family Formation Services
As a full-time benefits-eligible employee, you have access to WINFertility, which provides financial assistance to support growing your family through adoption, surrogacy, and fertility treatments. The benefit includes up to a $15,000 combined lifetime maximum.
WINFertility includes Adoption and Surrogacy Support as well as a Fertility program.
To enroll, contact WINFertility. Once enrollment is complete, you will receive a written notification from WINFertility confirming your eligibility.