We recognize gender identifiers exist beyond the binary – such as trans+, gender variant and Two-Spirit. However, existing software requirements allow only for ‘male’ and ‘female’ options. Currently, entering a member’s assigned sex at birth is required for assessment to continue within this current binary system.
That being said, Pacific Blue Cross is committed to recognizing diversity within our current operating environment through preferred pronouns during conversations, gender-neutral written communications, ongoing diversity education for our staff, support for organizations promoting diversity and inclusion and we will continue to support and inform ourselves of ongoing learning about the impact of other gender identifiers on health. We are currently assessing the requirements to bring our systems, products and underwriting processes in line with our culture of support and acceptance for diversity and inclusion, in order to inform our business & resource planning to continue our updates in 2022.
Gender affirmation at Pacific Blue Cross
Pacific Blue Cross is a not-for-profit, so we must balance our resources to serve the complex needs of our very diverse member and employee base. We endeavor to do this as quickly as possible and recognize this means particular enhancements may not be completed as soon as is desired – but rest assured we are focused on our mission to improve health and wellbeing for British Columbians.