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April 20, 2023 (DES MOINES) – Optimae LifeServices, in a measure communicated through an internal company memo earlier this month, will now provide gender affirming care benefits up to $2,000 for any individual covered by the Optimae self-funded health care plan who is under the age of 18. Starting March 23, individuals will qualify for an annual reimbursement of up to $2,000 in expenses incurred in seeking out and receiving gender affirming care out of state. “We will, as always, work to be ‘at the side and on the side’ of all of our colleagues and their family members,” stated members of Optimae’s operations team in the internal memo. “Reimbursement will be provided for out-of-state travel, lodging, meals, parking, etc. to seek this care. We hope this will, in some small way, help these individuals and families to maintain their well-being and quality of life.” Senate File 538, which was signed by the Governor on March 23, prohibits Iowa health care practitioners from providing gender affirming care to Iowans under the age of 18. This prohibited care includes puberty blockers, hormone treatments and various surgical procedures. ### About Optimae LifeServices Optimae LifeServices Inc. provides health care and human services for individuals with disabilities and mental illness from nearly 40 central, eastern and southern Iowa counties. For more than three decades, we have equipped our customers with supports and services that encourage choice, empowerment and community integration. Our programs include community-based, behavioral health, home health, rehabilitation and residential care services. We advocate for the rights and needs of more than 5,300 Iowans each year, providing the quality of care we would want for our own family.
April 20, 2023 (DES MOINES) – Optimae LifeServices, in a measure communicated through an internal company memo earlier this month, will now provide gender affirming care benefits up to $2,000 for any individual covered by the Optimae self-funded health care plan who is under the age of 18. Starting March 23, individuals will qualify for an annual reimbursement of up to $2,000 in expenses incurred in seeking out and receiving gender affirming care out of state. “We will, as always, work to be ‘at the side and on the side’ of all of our colleagues and their family members,” stated members of Optimae’s operations team in the internal memo. “Reimbursement will be provided for out-of-state travel, lodging, meals, parking, etc. to seek this care. We hope this will, in some small way, help these individuals and families to maintain their well-being and quality of life.” Senate File 538, which was signed by the Governor on March 23, prohibits Iowa health care practitioners from providing gender affirming care to Iowans under the age of 18. This prohibited care includes puberty blockers, hormone treatments and various surgical procedures.
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About Optimae LifeServices Optimae LifeServices Inc. provides health care and human services for individuals with disabilities and mental illness from nearly 40 central, eastern and southern Iowa counties. For more than three decades, we have equipped our customers with supports and services that encourage choice, empowerment and community integration. Our programs include community-based, behavioral health, home health, rehabilitation and residential care services. We advocate for the rights and needs of more than 5,300 Iowans each year, providing the quality of care we would want for our own family.