Alaska House Amends Budget to Cut Medicaid Funding for Gender Dysphoria Treatments

JUNEAU — The Alaska House recently voted to amend its draft budget to cut Medicaid funding for optional treatments for gender dysphoria. Lawmakers expressed uncertainty regarding the potential impact on health care for transgender Alaskans if the proposed cut is approved.

Legislature’s attorneys warned that the proposed cut could be unconstitutional and unenforceable. The Alaska State Medical Board recommended banning hormonal and surgical treatments for minors seeking to transition, leading to the proposed budget cut to ensure taxpayer-funded coverage for gender dysphoria treatments is limited to medical necessity.

While some believe the proposed cut may not significantly reduce Medicaid coverage for transgender Alaskans, others are concerned about potential impacts on treatments such as follow-up surgeries. The amendment was approved on a 21-19 vote, with notable opposition from lawmakers advocating for gender-affirming care and against marginalizing marginalized communities.

This amendment has sparked intense debate and criticism, with advocates calling it harmful and rooted in misinformation. Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates urged lawmakers to reject the amendment, emphasizing the importance of access to affirming health care for all individuals.

This decision follows previous attempts by Alaska legislators to cut public funding for abortion services, which have faced challenges due to state constitutional protections for reproductive rights. Budget amendment debates continue, with the operating budget moving to the Senate for consideration.

Despite ongoing efforts to impose restrictions on gender-related health care, advocates, medical professionals, and civil rights organizations continue to emphasize the necessity and importance of gender-affirming care for transgender individuals.

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