Medicaid Could Cover Transgender Surgery In New York (UPDATED)

This could help cut costs for mental health and drug abuse treatment.

“The reason the AMA said this is medically necessary is if the transgender can’t get services they need to live in the gender they are it leads to depression, suicide attempts, substance abuse,” said Ross Levi, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda, which advocates for gay and transgender rights. The cost would be a tiny part of the Medicaid budget, a fraction of a percent, and overall could provide a net cost savings, he said.

The proposal says: “Provide Medicaid coverage for transgender surgery/hormone replacement therapy and treatment.”

UPDATE: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo killed this proposal.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.