Florida’s Medicaid Pay Ban for Transgender Care Tossed by Judge

Florida’s Medicaid agency can’t lawfully refuse to pay for gender-affirming care, a federal judge in Florida held Wednesday following a nonjury trial.

A blanket exclusion on payments for certain gender dysphoria treatments, including puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for both adults and minors, violates the Medicaid Act, Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, and the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause, according to Judge Robert L. Hinkle of the US District Court for the Northern District of Florida.

West Virginia and Idaho also are defending suits over Medicaid exclusions for transgender care, and more lawsuits may be coming. At least ...