Houston

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced on June 11th that he is suing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services over a recent update to federal regulations that would require fair treatment of transgender Medicaid recipients. This rule would require all state Medicaid programs to cover health care for transgender patients. In light of Texas HHSC’s recent codification of an ongoing denial of coverage for transgender health care, the new federal rule (set to go into effect July 5) would have an immediate impact on the wellbeing of tens of thousands of trans people in Texas. While the Texas HHSC policy was only recently codified, reports from across the state confirm that Texas Medicaid recipients have historically been denied coverage for care related to their gender dysphoria.

With the passage of SB14 after the 88th Legislative session, which banned health care for trans youth, we’ve seen a chilling effect across the state impacting access to care for trans adults. Health care for trans adults remains legal in Texas.

Statement from Ricardo Martinez, CEO of Equality Texas:

“Health care for transgender adults remains legal in the state of Texas. And while Ken Paxton seems to have little regard for medical freedom, it’s essential that trans adults who use Medicaid have access to vital care. Texas Doctors know what they’re doing, and trans Texans need care. The new rule from HHS will be a lifeline to many Texans. I hope Paxton’s insurance pays for his medical needs, and one day I hope he’ll be generous enough to want the same for his fellow Texans.”