{"id":60574,"date":"2022-06-17T07:31:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-17T12:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resource-center.hrblock.com\/?post_type=newsroom&p=60574"},"modified":"2023-04-20T15:12:20","modified_gmt":"2023-04-20T20:12:20","slug":"new-benefits-to-advance-inclusivity-for-lgbtq-community","status":"publish","type":"newsroom","link":"https:\/\/hrbcomlnp.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/newsroom\/people-culture\/new-benefits-to-advance-inclusivity-for-lgbtq-community\/","title":{"rendered":"H&R Block Announces New Benefits to Advance Inclusivity for LGBTQ+ Community"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

New benefits include surgery support and LGBTQ+-specific<\/em> provider search assistance<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

KANSAS CITY, Mo.<\/strong> (June 17, 2022)<\/strong> \u2013 In an effort to more fully support LGBTQ+ associates, H&R Block<\/a> (NYSE: HRB), has added to and enhanced its robust associate health and wellbeing offerings. These benefits offer support for associates searching for culturally competent providers, and covers transition procedures for transgender associates through the medical plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal is to make sure associates feel affirmed and supported both inside and outside the workplace. This is especially relevant during Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual, and other identities (LGBTQ+) Pride Month \u2014 or simply Pride Month \u2014 in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of the process to increase equity for the LGBTQ+ community, H&R Block reviewed its medical and prescription benefits and compared those to the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) standards of care. While the company was well aligned with these standards as of last year, the enhancements ensure that the company is now fully aligned with WPATH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe care about our associates at Block and want to support them and their families with any needs they may have,\u201d said Tiffany Monroe, H&R Block\u2019s Chief People and Culture Officer. \u201cWe strive to provide programs that help create better outcomes for our associates, both mentally and physically.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company has also added the Inclusive Care program, available to qualifying associates and eligible dependents through the company\u2019s Anthem medical plan, which acts as a concierge and support program for those in the LGBTQ+ community. It helps connect them with culturally competent providers who are more knowledgeable about the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community. This resource can also guide patients through the complexities of gender transition procedures and ensure the care team is aligned on the appropriate treatment plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, earlier this year, H&R Block implemented a combined $30,000 lifetime maximum benefit for eligible associates to provide infertility, surrogacy or adoption support. H&R Block also provides a working parent and pregnancy support program through Cleo, to support regular associates through any path to parenthood and from any family type, through baby\u2019s first year. Mental health benefits include an enhanced mental health support program through Lyra for regular associates and their families, offering greater access to therapists, coaching and holistic mental health services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional Commitments to Inclusivity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n