Benefits through work denied coverage for electrolysis. I need advice on how I could fight this…
My job has pretty good benefits through manulife included in that is $10K towards gender affirming care. A few weeks ago I started getting electrolysis and have gotten 3 sessions done and sent the receipt through manulife to get a refund. I called manulife while submitting the claim. I mentioned it was for gender affirming care to make sure I did it properly, and the lady over the phone walked me through what to do. Fast forward to today and I got a email confirmation saying that $0 from each session was paid back.
So I called manulife. The lady explained that electrolysis is considered a cosmetic procedure and benefits do not cover it. I explained to them that it’s not cosmetic I deem it medically necessary as I am transgender and hair on my face effects my mental health quite a bit. Also that I plan on getting bottom surgery soon and it’s necessary to get hair removed prior to the appointment. She sent it through for investigation once again and I should be hearing back on Tuesday.
Is there any steps I should take as far as getting notes from the doctor or information from my electrologist to better support my claim. I’m pretty confused on what gender affirming care coverage would cover besides anything “cosmetic” and why they would even make that a benefit package if I am unable to use it.
Any help or advice would be appreciated as there is no way I can continue to afford this without my benefits.