Transgender bias illegal, insurers told

ALBANY — The Cuomo administration on Wednesday told insurance companies they cannot discriminate or deny coverage to people based on gender identity in New York State.

The state Department of Financial Services says it has received complaints from transgender people who say they were denied coverage in certain circumstances.

Lisette Johnson, who heads the Department of Financial Service’s health bureau, sent a letter to insurers providing guidance on how to handle coverage for health services provided to transgender individuals.

“Transgender persons should not be discriminated against because of their transgender status nor denied coverage for treatment because of coding issues,” Johnson wrote.