Kroger stores to begin offering transgender health benefits

Beginning January 1, all Kroger establishments will offer transgender health benefits—including surgery and drug therapy for gender reassignment—to employees enrolled in the company’s insurance plan, (via Forbes). 

The benefits will not apply, however, to those who receive insurance via the United Food and Commercial Worker’s Union. 

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Kroger is an incredibly popular grocery chain in the United States. It is one of the largest private employers in the country.

According to The Daily Beast, news of Kroger’s move broke when Britney McGannon, a transgender employee of the chain, shared the information through her Facebook page. It was later confirmed with a company spokesperson.

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Four of the 10 largest private employers in the United States—Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, Home Depot and UPS—have yet to offer trans-inclusive health benefits.

You can read an official statement from company spokesperson Keith Dailey below.

“We are excited to announce that The Kroger Co. has added transgender health benefits for eligible employees enrolled in an Anthem BCBS administered plan offered under the company-sponsored health insurance plan.

For the last several years, the company’s GLBT associate resource group, The Alliance of Kroger (AOK), has made a dedicated effort to work with executive leaders and the Total Rewards leadership team to secure these benefits for our associates.

Beginning January 1, 2016, medical procedures including surgery and drug therapy for gender reassignment will be covered up to a $100,000 lifetime maximum for eligible associates and their dependents.”