NEW YORK (AP) -- A New York City transgender woman has won insurance coverage for her sex change operation.

The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund said Wednesday MVP Health Care agreed to cover the doctor-recommended procedure for Ida Hammer.

It had originally denied her claim on the grounds it was "cosmetic," and therefore not covered under her policy.

The 34-year-old patient had applied for pre-authorization for her male-to-female sex reassignment surgery in July 2011.

TLDEF said that after denying two appeals, MVP reversed its decision and deemed the surgery medically necessary.

MVP didn't immediately respond to a call and email seeking comment.

The American Medical Association recommends insurance coverage for sex reassignment. But only a small number of companies actually provide it.

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