Transgender teens to get cheaper treatment in New York

October 7, 2016

New York Health Department proposed to cover youth hormone therapy
Current rules only cover hormone therapy for adults on state Medicaid
But after speaking with doctors, state officials now believe hormone therapy can be ‘medically necessary’ for under 18s with gender dysphoria
New rules would also make it mandatory to fund over-18s’ gender reassignment surgery on state Medicaid

Mia De Graaf For Dailymail.com

Published:
17:26 EST, 6 October 2016

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Updated:
17:28 EST, 6 October 2016

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New York’s transgender teenagers could soon get state funding for puberty-stunting medication.

The state’s Health Department filed a proposal on Wednesday to cover hormone therapy for young people with gender dysphoria on Medicaid.

Current regulations only cover therapy for transitioning adults.

The new rules would also make it compulsory for the state to fund gender-reassignment surgery for anyone over the age of 18.

Andrew Cuomo, a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights, has backed the move to fund hormone therapy for under-18s on New York state Medicaid

WHAT ARE PUBERTY SUPPRESSANTS?

Pubertal suppressants are medications that stop the process of puberty.

The first step is to take gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs around the age of 12 to block the first stages of puberty after intense scrutiny and discussions to conclude that this is the right decision.

After starting the course, the patient is psychologically monitored throughout.

By the age of 16, the patient can start taking cross-sex hormones to begin their transition process.

At 18, they are eligible for gender reassignment surgery.

Pubertal suppressants are believed to be reversible.

If a patient and their doctor agree that they no longer have gender dysphoria, they can stop the course, at which point their natural puberty cycle will begin.

Previously, the department previously ‘had reservations about the safety and efficacy’ of hormone therapy for under-18s with gender dysphoria, the proposal explains.

The FDA has not approved such medications for minors, and there are few high-quality studies on the long term effects.

However, officials have ‘observed the beginning of a shift’ in opinion and policies.

And every medical professional they consulted said pubertal suppressants could be medically necessary for young people.

‘The proposed changes therefore would make Medicaid coverage of transgender care and services available, regardless of an individual’s age, when such care and services are medically necessary to treat the individual’s gender dysphoria,’ the rules read.

There will now be a period of 45 days for public comments on the proposal before it can be passed.

The move comes after years of protests from transgender support groups.

It follows a similar move from California.

Gender dysphoria is the strong feeling that you are a different gender to the one you physically appear to be.