Gender dysphoria can no longer be treated with puberty blockers, hormones and hormone antagonists, sex reassignment surgeries and “any other procedure that alter primary or secondary sexual characteristics” under Florida’s Medicaid program.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has released a new rule which bans the use of puberty blockers for the treatment of gender dysphoria under the state’s Medicaid program. The new rule, which will take effect on August 21, states that Florida Medicaid does not cover puberty blockers, hormones and hormone antagonists, sex reassignment surgeries, and any other procedure that alter primary or secondary sexual characteristics.
In April, the Florida Department of Health issued guidance relating to the treatment of gender dysphoria in children and adolescents. Subsequently, AHCA Secretary Simone Marstiller requested that the Florida Medicaid program determine under the process described in Florida Administrative Code Rule 59G-1035 whether such treatments are “consistent with generally accepted professional medical standards and not experimental or investigational.”
A report on the matter was completed in early June and determined that treatment of gender dysphoria – like sex reassignment surgery, cross-sex hormones, and puberty blockers – are not consistent with widely accepted professional medical standards and are experimental and investigational with the potential for harmful long-term effects.
The rule was signed by AHCA Secretary Simone Marstiller and submitted to the Department of State on August 1. It will take effect on August 21.
