Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A bill that prohibits TennCare from providing reimbursement for trans “gender affirming” procedures, not just for minors but for all Tennesseans covered under the state’s Medicaid program, passed in the Senate in a 27 to 5 vote along party lines on Monday.
The purpose of the legislation is to prohibit TennCare from providing coverage for certain procedures, including puberty blockers, if the purpose is solely to enable an individual “to identify with, or live as, a purported identity inconsistent with the individual’s sex” or if the procedure treats “purported discomfort or distress from a discordance between the individual’s sex and asserted identity.”
The Senate substituted the House bill for Senate Bill 2118 sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun-District 1). The House bill was passed on March 12th.
House sponsor Kip Capley (R-Summertown-District 71) previously stated that the legislation closes a “loophole” in current law which already outlaws transgender affirming procedures for minors.
Treatment for congenital defects, precocious puberty, disease, or physical injury will continue to be exempt.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
