Letting our Pride Show

What you need to know

June means Pride Month is here, and we are celebrating the many ways BAE Systems supports our LGBTQ+ employees and their families. We understand that families form in many different ways, which is why we offer several benefit options to new and future parents – and “pawrents” – like fertility resources, adoption, and surrogacy reimbursement, Paid Parental Leave, and pet insurance.

Gender affirmation benefits for Cigna members

Covered Cigna members may be eligible for the following gender affirmation benefits. To learn more, visit myCigna (From BAE Systems Network | Log In) or call 1 800 530 1314.

  • Gender reassignment surgery (exclusions apply)
  • Travel benefit for gender reassignment surgery when access to care is unavailable within a 60-mile radius. This benefit reimburses the travel and lodging expenses for you and one accompanying companion/caregiver or up to two caregivers for a dependent minor.
  • The My Personal Champion benefit provides covered Cigna members with a dedicated support line to help navigate transitioning. The program connects employees with a personal champion to help explain benefits coverage, coordinate care with LGBTQ+ friendly providers, arrange transportation to and from appointments, and even help locate local community support. To speak with a Personal Champion, call 855 699 8990, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Eastern Time.

WINFertility Program

Adding a new member to your family can be an emotional and financially significant decision. At BAE Systems, we believe that cost should not be a barrier to love, which is why we now offer both the WINFertility Program and the Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement Program.

WINFertility works with some of the nation’s leading reproductive endocrinologists and pharmacy benefit managers to deliver effective treatment and options to build your family. If you’re a Cigna national medical plan member, you can receive up to $20,000* toward fertility medical treatment, including any medications prescribed for treatment.

If you’ve reached your $20,000 lifetime benefit limit, the WIN Consumer Program offers medical treatment and pharmacy savings of 10% to 30% off retail prices and financing options to make paying for treatment even more manageable.

Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement Program

All BAE Systems employees are eligible to receive reimbursement of up to $30,000 for surrogacy or adoption expenses. Eligible expenses include:

  • Agency fees
  • Attorney fees and other legal costs, including court fees
  • Travel expenses incurred in conjunction with the adoption or surrogacy

You do not need to be enrolled in a BAE Systems medical plan in order to take advantage of the Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement Program.

Paid Parental Leave

Our Paid Parental Leave program allows you to take up to two fully paid weeks away from work to care for and bond with your new child. This benefit is extended to mothers and fathers and can be taken in addition to other leave programs to maximize this special time with your newest family member.

Pet insurance

In addition to covering human family members, we also offer health insurance for furry, feathered, and scaly loved ones. Protect your pet’s health with flexible plans through Nationwide. Nationwide’s plans cover cats, dogs, birds, and exotic pets. Costs vary depending on the type and age of your pet.

To learn more about our benefits designed to support you and your family, visit Benefits for everyday life.

Support beyond benefits: OutLink ERG

If you’re looking for community or support beyond benefits, consider joining OutLink, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Allies employee resource group. OutLink has made it their mission to foster a respectful environment that supports Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning employees and allies in feeling proud, integrated, and secure in the workplace. The OutLink ERG’s primary objectives include collaboration, internal and external networking, professional growth, and providing education and learning opportunities to increase awareness of LGBTQ issues within our company and in the community.

Recognizing that not everyone feels safe and comfortable being associated with the LGBTQ+ community, OutLink keeps its membership list private, and their events allow for anonymous participation. If you would like to learn more about joining OutLink as a member, visit their home page on OneSpace or email mcn.communications@baesystems.com. If you are interested in becoming an ally, email erg.outlink@baesystems.com.

* This benefit is a lifetime limit.