Florida to restrict Medicaid coverage for transgender people

A Florida health officials rule is set to take effect later this month to restrict Medicaid insurance coverage for gender dysphoria treatments for transgender people, according to a new rule by LGBTQ and health groups.

The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration filed a new rule this month, and it is set to take effect August 21st, according to online records.

The state agency released a report saying that puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and sex reassignment surgery have not been proven safe or effective in treating gender dysphoria. Tom Wallace, the state's deputy director of Medicaid, signed off on the report in June.

Lambda Legal, Southern Legal Counsel, Florida Health Justice Project and National Health Law Program all issued a statement Thursday saying the AHCA is ignoring thousands of public comments and expert testimony by finalizing a discriminatory and medically unsound rule.

AHCA's actions, at the behest of Gov. Ron DeSantis and his political appointees, are morally and legally wrong, as well as medically and scientifically unsound, a joint statement from the groups said. This rule represents a dangerous escalation in Governor DeSantis'political zeal to persecute LGBTQ people in Florida, particularly transgender youth. In many states, where it has been labeled as child abuse and where Medicaid coverage is barred, transgender medical treatment for children and teens is under attack. Critics point out the irreversible nature of many elements of gender transition treatment.

Doctors and mental health specialists argue that medical treatment for transgender children is safe and beneficial and can improve well-being, although rigorous long-term research on benefits and risks is lacking. According to federal guidelines, gender-affirming care is essential to the health and well-being of transgender and nonbinary children.

In a letter last year, the American Medical Association issued a letter asking governors to block any legislation banning the treatment, calling such action a dangerous intrusion into the practice of medicine.