Dive Brief:
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A New York state regulation requiring Medicaid coverage for medically necessary hormone treatments and surgeries for transgender youths went into effect on Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal reports.
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A 1998 regulation had banned Medicaid coverage for all transition-related care until last March, but the New York State Department of Health has since instituted a series of changes related to transgender healthcare.
- Changes made in New York occur as an ongoing national debate considers whether it is appropriate or medically necessary to cover transition-related care for young people.
Dive Insight:
Individuals with gender dysmorphia often experience negative health effects, yet the issue of insurance coverage for transgender patients has just recently started to receive attention. One-half of transgender youth will attempt suicide by the time they are 20, a 2011 survey by the National Center for Transgender Equality found.
The American Psychological Association began using the term “gender dysmorphia” in place of “gender identity disorder” in 2013 in the DSM-5, according to a Slate article published in May. At that time, the focus of treatment began shifting toward experienced distress rather than gender nonconformity.
Certain medical interventions, such as puberty blockers, can improve health outcomes in transgender youth, according to a Pediatrics article. However, these treatments are costly and transgender patients face several barriers to care, which can be caused by insurance denial.
Since HHS made clear that its gender nondiscrimination clause covers transgender people, regulations like the one recently implemented in New York are on the rise. At least five states and the District of Columbia now have policies that require coverage for transition-related care.