Pittsburgh employees now covered for sex change operation (home, tax rates)

[tyovan4]

Originally Posted by Mtl-Cns

I had no idea that others besides her had ever insinuated he was gay or would even care.

I work near Grant St. I remember around his inauguration - when he was plastering his girlfriend all over the media (I think they were even on the cover of City Paper when they adopted a dog?), two senior level people at work (both of whom are quite connected in local government - and both of whom were polar opposites and hated each other) and they both said that he (Peduto) paid her (the "girlfriend", who was also like 25 years younger than him) to keep up appearances.

It's one of those things that doesn't make the media too often, but does seem to be whispered about.

[bradjl2009]

Originally Posted by tyovan4

No. Heck, I'm single (divorced) and nobody has ever accused me of being gay.
This has been a pretty regular whisper campaign against Peduto though - the most recent being some of Darlene's Facebook posts.

That's still a different situation than the mayor who was never married once.

[ferraris]

Originally Posted by guy2073

I don't care what his lifestyle choices are, but of all the benefits to add to an insurance plan this should be one of the last in my opinion.

It basically IS the last. I'm sure the city already covered the vast majority of physical and mental health conditions.

[Enough_Already]

Originally Posted by gg

What are people's thoughts? How expensive is this and will it create a tax issue for city residents? I have no opinion on this matter to be honest and maybe it is a good thing? I don't know.

Pittsburgh Offers Gender Affirmation Benefits To Employees « CBS Pittsburgh

This is not healthcare. I am glad I don't pay city taxes.

[svband76]

Originally Posted by Enough_Already

This is not healthcare. I am glad I don't pay city taxes.

You can be tolerant, liberal, open-minded, compassionate, caring without agreeing that every 1% or less of the population/procedure needs to be covered. Don't feel ashamed. You're entitled to an opinion.

[Copanut]

Originally Posted by bradjl2009

That's still a different situation than the mayor who was never married once.

Smart man!

[kewlwhip]

In general the key concept for determining coverage is "medical necessity." To include gender reassignment therapies and surgeries stretches that definition a bit. But if you talk to someone who is trans I suspect they will tell you it is something they need and not something they merely want. They would probably hear protestation as "I don't approve of what you need."

[fleetiebelle]

Also keep in mind that there's a procedure to follow with regards to gender reassignment. Anyone can't get the surgery willy-nilly for no reason. They have to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria and have to be under the treatment of a physician for at least six months. It's a distressing and impairing condition that isn't a joke for trans people.

[Goinback2011]

The problem with covering a relatively rare condition when other employers aren't covering it is those with the condition will seek employment there for the benefit. They aren't likely to remain employees long enough for their short-term costs to be recouped.

[WhoIsStanwix?]

Originally Posted by Goinback2011

The problem with covering a relatively rare condition when other employers aren't covering it is those with the condition will seek employment there for the benefit. They aren't likely to remain employees long enough for their short-term costs to be recouped.

Most national employers and national health insurance companies cover the surgery. Also, if there is a waiting period as I discussed above, you also lower selection risk.