Update: Proposed NH Medicaid Rule Regarding Coverage for “Gender Reassignment”

From Cornerstone – (Copied Email alert in its entirety)

Action Item: Contact Members of Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services had its public hearing on September 13 about its proposed rule change to let Medicaid dollars pay for “gender reassignment” surgery. Thanks to all of you who contacted DHHS with your concerns.

Now, the proposed rule will go before the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR). Members include state representatives and Senators from both parties. They need to hear from you! 

We do not know when the rule will come before JLCAR, since the committee’s agenda is usually posted only a few days in advance of meetings. Make a note on your calendar that the next scheduled meeting is Thursday, October 19, at 9 a.m. in rooms 306-308 of the Legislative Office Building in Concord.

Right now, before the rule appears on the agenda, please contact committee members. Their contact information is below. Forward a copy of your message to Governor Sununu.

Here are the issues.

• DHHS sent out two letters to participants in New Hampshire Healthy Families (a Medicaid program) announcing that “gender reassignment” would be covered as of July 1. The first of these letters went out in July, long before DHHS held a public hearing about amending Medicaid rules to allow payment for such procedures.
• The first letter went to children before parents.
• Taxpayers are about to be on the hook for “gender reassignment” surgery and related procedures, including irreversible body alteration for minors. DHHS, through its letters to NH Healthy Families participants, is acting like this is a done deal.
• Transgender activists are pushing hard for this policy change.
• The proposed rule will result in taxpayers’ forced involvement in sex change procedures, even as some families find that their children’s medications for chronic conditions are not covered by the same health insurance program.
• Will the state cover gender reassignment without coverage limits? This not a single surgical procedure, but rather an ongoing series of procedures and hormone treatments.
• Will the state cover reversals when a person who has submitted to “gender reassignment” has a change of heart?
• Litigation is inevitable – also at taxpayer expense – since at least one federal appeals court has ruled that Medicaid need not cover transgender procedures, while DHHS seems to be asserting that coverage is required on nondiscrimination grounds.

Contacting the Committee

As always, brief and courteous messages are best.
Please contact all members including alternates (noted as “alt.”).
Let the committee members know that you as a taxpayer choose not to be involved in anyone’s choice to undergo “gender reassignment.”