Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–May 30, 2014 – An independent board within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today ruled that a Medicare policy from 1989 that categorically excluded transition-related medical procedures, regardless of medical need, is unreasonable and invalid based on today’s medical science.
Learn more about how this ruling affects transgender people in our Fact Sheet on Medicare Coverage of Transition-Related Care.
In response to this development, National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) Executive Director Mara Keisling issued the following statement:
“Today’s ruling represents the medical community’s clear understanding that gender dysphoria is a serious medical condition, and the government should not stand in the way when doctors recommend treatment. This ruling comes from an independent panel who’ve studied the science on transgender healthcare. Today, this panel ruled that Medicare cannot flat-out exclude medically-supported treatments for transgender people.”
Keisling added, “Science and fairness are winning over outdated biases. NCTE will continue to advocate for access to medically necessary care for all transgender people.”
NCTE applauds the American Civil Liberties Union, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights for their zealous advocacy in this suit.
Download our fact sheet to learn more about the administrative ruling.
Source: http://transequality.org
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ACLU Statement on Final Ruling Invalidating Medicare Ban on Healthcare for Transgender Patients
