Comment on NYS Department of Health’s Proposed Rulemaking Regarding Transgender Care and Services

SUMMARY

The LGBT Rights Committee submitted a report on the New York State Department of Health’s proposal to amend 18 N.Y.C.R.R. § 505.2(l) concerning state Medicaid coverage for transgender-related care and services. The Committee notes that, while the proposed regulation would improve upon existing Medicaid coverage for transgender care, it remains inadequate: for example, it fails to provide clarity regarding coverage for trans youth and for certain gender reassignment procedures. The Committee urges the DOH to treat transgender medical needs in a manner that is consistent with the treatment of other medical diagnoses and revise the regulation simply to state that any and all treatments for gender dysphoria that are consistent with contemporary standards of care must be covered.

RULE INFORMATION

Amendment of Section 505.2(l) of Title 18 NYCRR (Transgender Related Care and Services) – Description of Proposal

OUTCOME

Adopted Rules, Effective Dec. 7, 2016