Overview
Stryker is committed to building an inclusive culture where all employees feel welcomed, respected and appreciated for being exactly who they are.
We follow criteria set forth by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), which strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. One HRC criteria focuses on making it easy for those in the LGBTQ+ community to find, understand and take advantage of their benefits and resources.
This page outlines the benefits and resources at Stryker that can provide help and support to those in the LGBTQ+ community.
In addition to the information below, you can find phone numbers and websites resources on the Contacts page.
Important!
The benefits described here may vary by plan and provider. For more details, see the Summary Plan Description (SPD) or Benefits at a Glance (2024)
Included Health LGBTQ+ resources
Included Health’s LGBTQ+ Health program brings dedicated, one-on-one care support and assistance in accessing culturally competent, high-quality healthcare year round. This program is designed with the unique, specialized health needs of the LGBTQ+ community in mind. LGBTQ+ Health can help:
- Schedule appointments.
- Understand what is covered under your benefits.
- Find resources and support groups for coming out at work or parenting an LGBTQ+ child.
- Start or grow your family.
- Navigate gender-affirming care.
This program is available at no cost to all U.S. benefit-eligible employees and dependents, even those not enrolled in one of Stryker’s medical plans.
To activate your LGTBQ+ Health account, visit includedhealth.com/stryker or call 855-431-5551. You can also learn more about LGBTQ+ Health here. For more information about additional benefits through Included Health, go to the Programs and resources page.
Adoption assistance
Stryker provides up to $5,000 in reimbursement for eligible adoption expenses, with a maximum of two claims allowed per lifetime. See more about how Stryker supports adoption.
Fertility services
Find details about your medical plan’s fertility coverage on your carrier’s website or by calling the customer support line on the back of your ID card. You can also find more information on the Programs and resources page.
Legal
The Lyra Health: Mental Health and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers help with legal questions and concerns.
- Creation of estate planning documents, such as a will and power of attorney, designed to recognize same-sex partners as a beneficiary or grant them legal authority to make decisions if you or they become incapacitated.
- Family law, including joint adoption by a same-sex couple, step-parent adoption, single-parent adoption or surrogacy.
- Name and gender marker changes for those undergoing gender reassignment and wanting to change their name.
- Real estate matters, which include eviction and tenant problems, and allow individuals in the LGBTQ+ community to seek help for housing discrimination or dealing with an intolerant landlord.
To take advantage of these legal services, visit stryker.lyrahealth.com or call 833 511 0159.
Lyra Health
Lyra Health, our Mental Health and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available 24/7 for confidential support. Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, support from Lyra’s coaches and therapists can get you back on your feet.
With Lyra Health, you and your household family members and dependents have access to:
- Mental health care, including 10 sessions of coaching and/or therapy annually.
- Access to a rich library of researched-based, self-care resources.
- Legal, Financial and Identity theft consultations.
- Elder and child care resources and referrals.
Always available
The Lyra team is available 24/7 to help you connect to the best care. Call 833 511 0159 anytime or visit stryker.lyrahealth.com.
Preventive care services, screenings and medications
Members of the LGBTQ+ community may be predisposed to certain health conditions. Getting regular preventive care can help you and your doctor find health conditions early, when they are easier to treat and manage.
All of Stryker’s medical plans cover preventive care at no cost when you see an in-network provider. Covered services include annual check-ups, routine immunizations and cancer screenings. Unless your doctor suggests otherwise, it is important to get the preventive care recommended for the sex you were assigned at birth.
See more covered preventive services.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening and assessments
HIV is highly treatable and early detection and monitoring are key to helping your doctor define treatment options, assess if your treatment is working and determine whether the disease is progressing.
HIV medications
If you are at high risk for HIV infection, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication is available to help prevent HIV.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medication is a combination of medicines taken to prevent HIV after possible exposure. PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after recent possible exposure to HIV.
Discuss these treatment options with your doctor and call your medical carrier to discuss which medications are covered.
Included Health can help you take full advantage of your covered preventive care as part of the LGTBQ+ Health services provided.
To activate your LGTBQ+ Health account, visit includedhealth.com/stryker or call 855-431-5551.
Savings and spending accounts
Some expenses related to gender dysphoria, such as hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery, could be considered eligible expenses and could be paid for from your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA). We recommend that you review these expenses ahead of time with a tax advisor before using your funds and submitting claims for reimbursement.
Learn more about tax-advantaged accounts.
Transgender healthcare
Transgender employees who are enrolled in a UnitedHealthcare medical plan have access to medical care, including the following (Remember, covered services may vary based on your medical plan so check with your carrier if you are not enrolled in a UHC plan):
Behavioral health services
If you are enrolled in a UnitedHealthcare medical plan, you have access to behavioral health support while seeking transgender healthcare when needed. The prior authorization approval for gender-affirming surgery includes the need for assessment(s) supporting mental wellness. For details, contact UnitedHealthcare.
Hormone therapy
Your provider can help you understand any risks or side effects of hormone therapy, and make sure you’re taking the correct dosage. Several factors including diabetes, excessive weight, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, history of cancer, history of stroke or embolic disease, alcohol and/or tobacco use raise the risk of side effects. Therefore, it is important to discuss related safety considerations for therapy with your provider. Remember, covered services may vary based on your medical plan. For details, contact your medical plan provider.
Gender affirmation surgery
If you decide to have gender-affirming surgery, you will need to work with your physician to find a surgeon and get the related pre-certifications from your health plan provider. When associated criteria are met, your benefits include coverage for a variety of surgeries, including breast reduction/removal, removal of reproductive organs, creation of exterior sexual organs, decreasing the size of your Adam’s apple and voice modification surgery. Please note: Covered services may vary based on the medical plan you are enrolled in. For details, contact your medical plan provider.
Reproductive services
You may be covered for in vitro fertilization services, including the procedure to freeze your eggs and store them, for up to 12 months. Check the Summary Plan Description (SPD) to know what’s covered by the medical plan you’re enrolled in.
Additional transgender support services:
Designated advocacy support
If you are eligible for benefits and have transgender and/or gender-affirming healthcare and benefit needs, you have access to a specially trained, skilled team of LGBTQ+ Health Advocates who help provide comprehensive support through Included Health. For more information, visit includedhealth.com/stryker or call 855 431 5551.
Nurse case manager
If you are enrolled in a UnitedHealthcare medical plan, a nurse case manager can help by facilitating communication between your team of doctors and nurses and your loved ones to ensure continuity of care and to address any questions or concerns. For details, contact UnitedHealthcare.
Travel reimbursement benefits
Each year you are enrolled in a UnitedHealthcare medical plan, you are eligible for up to $4,000 ($10,000 lifetime maximum) in reimbursement for travel expenses related to care that is not available within 50 miles of your home address. This includes reproductive and gender-affirming services, as legally permissible. Reimbursements will be made in alignment with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines.
UnitedHealthcare manages this benefit and can provide details on eligible travel expenses, coverage amounts, allowance amounts and limitations. If you are not enrolled in a UnitedHealthcare plan, contact your insurance carrier for information regarding your travel reimbursement benefits.
Virtual visits
Virtual visits are an easy way to contact trained medical professionals from anywhere for about the same cost as a primary care visit. Doctors can talk to you, evaluate your symptoms and even write prescriptions* — all from the comfort of your home or office.
For more information, visit your medical provider’s website, or call the number on the back of your ID card to learn more and find in-network virtual visit providers.
If you are enrolled in a UnitedHealthcare plan, read this flyer to learn more and then visit myuhc.com to get started.
*Prescription services may not be available in all states.