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A.B. v. Premera Blue Cross

A.B. v. Premera Blue Cross

Status:

Open

Court:

U.S District Court for the Western District of Washington

Issues:

Health Care Fairness, Transgender and Nonbinary Rights

Clients:
  • A.B.
  • A.B.’s parents: L.B and M.B 
Attorneys:

Lambda Legal

  • Omar Gonzalez-Pagan 

Sirianni Youtz Spoonemore Hamburger PLLC

  • Eleanor Hamburger
  • Daniel S. Gross 

Q Law Foundation of Washington

  • J. Denise Diskin
  • Dallas Martinez 

Lambda Legal, Sirianni Youtz Spoonemore Hamburger PLLC, and QLaw Foundation of Washington filed a federal class action lawsuit on behalf 15-year-old transgender adolescent A.B. and his parents challenging Premera Blue Cross’ arbitrary and categorical policy to deny coverage for gender-affirming chest surgery for patients under 18, regardless of the patient’s medical needs. Identified by his initials, A.B.’s medical providers recommended gender-affirming chest surgery as treatment for his gender dysphoria, but Premera has refused to authorize coverage for the surgery that A.B., his parents, and medical providers all agree is necessary and appropriate.