Aetna reverses transgendered decision

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NEWARK, N.J., May 1 (UPI) -- An insurance company has reversed its decision and agreed to pay the full price of a mammogram for a transgendered New Jersey woman.

The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund said Beth Scott, 44, received a mammogram about two years ago on the recommendation of her doctor and insurance company Aetna refused to cover the procedure, The (Newark, N.J.) Star-Ledger reported Tuesday.

The company said it would not cover the mammogram because Scott did not develop breasts until after she changed sexes.

Scott, with the help of the legal defense fund, argued the mammogram had nothing to do with her changing her sex characteristics. Aetna eventually reversed its decision and agreed to pay the full cost of the procedure.

The defense fund said Aetna also agreed to chance its plan to guarantee transgendered people receive coverage for sex-specific care.