(CNN) Illinois' Medicaid program will soon ensure coverage of gender-affirming surgeries for transgender adults who meet certain diagnostic criteria, the state's Department of Healthcare and Family Services said in a release.

The department is developing rules for the coverage, and it's likely to be adopted this summer, according to the release.

Medicaid members must be at least 21 years old and have a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, a term that describes the distress people suffer when the gender they identify with doesn't match the gender assigned to them at birth.

"For those facing gender dysphoria, every day can be a painful challenge, Theresa Eagleson, HFS director, said in the statement. "Helping these individuals overcome their struggles through compassionate and comprehensive treatment is the right approach for them and for Illinois."

Expanding Medicaid coverage of the procedure would be cost-effective, the department said, since it prevents "negative health impacts," including depression and suicide. HFS is using Vermont's policies as a model, it said. Cost increases have not been reported by 17 states, and the District of Columbia, that offer this coverage, the department said.

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