California issues groundbreaking directive on transgender health care
“This one letter will save lives. For years, transgender Californians have been denied coverage of basic care merely because of who we are. Discriminatory insurance exclusions put transgender people and our families at risk for health problems and financial hardship. Now we can finally get the care we need.”
Masen Davis, executive director of the Transgender Law Center, responding to an April 9 directive issued by California’s Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC). The directive confirms that the state’s 2006 Insurance Non-Discrimination Act guarantees health care access regardless of gender identity/expression. Coupled with 2012 regulations, health plans have been instructed to “revise current plan documents to remove exclusions and limitations related to gender transition.” The directive applies to DMHC-regulated HMOs and PPOs. (Transgender Law Center)
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
