It is consistent with the consensus of the medical and scientific community that access to gender transition-related care is medically necessary for many people with gender dysphoria. They should either get coverage or, at a minimum, receive an individualized review of the medical need for the specific procedure they seek, just like anyone seeking coverage for any other medical treatment. The removal of the exclusion of coverage for surgical care for Medicare recipients means that individuals will not automatically have claims of coverage for gender transition-related surgeries denied. Organizations calling for this change, including the ACLU, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, released a statement clarifying the repeal, saying: The HHS Departmental Appeals Board decided the 33-year-old ban's claims that many procedures deemed medically necessary for transgender people today could lead to "serious complications" because they are "experimental" is outdated and inaccurate. Department of Health and Human Services repealed a moratorium, issued in 1981, that prevented Medicare from even considering covering transgender healthcare. GAP is available in all five boroughs of New York City as well as Westchester and Nassau County and is covered by most insurance plans.įor more information about our services, or to refer a patient to the VNSNY Gender Affirmation Program, please call at 1-86.Today, the U.S. VNSNY holds the SAGE Platinum LGBT cultural competency credential, and VNSNY's Gender Affirmation Program director received the 2018 HCA Award for Quality and Innovation. VNSNY is a leading provider of home health care services for transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming adults with our Gender Affirmation Program.
By taking care of yourself, you stop the cycle of unintentional self-harm. A lot of us grew up not caring for ourselves because we weren't cared for by others. I know people who were forever changed just because they let others in. You might find someone who is just what you needed for your journey. What advice would you give to trans patients who don't trust that they will receive compassionate care?Īsia: Open your hearts and trust others when seeking out healthcare. GAP is designed to address each patient's unique needs before they leave the hospital and to provide a safe space for them to recuperate fully at home. How do you ensure that the needs of GAS patients are being met?Īsia: We conduct a needs assessment with every GAS patient where we ask if they have enough food, if their bills are paid, and if they have sanitary supplies, and I provide supportive counseling to patients in distress. They understand complicated interpersonal dynamics and that there is a strong likelihood that trans patients may not have the support of family and friends. They've seen post-op photos so they know what's normal vs. This way, the nurses are well prepared about what they should expect. Part of my job is to make sure that the VNSNY nurses we are sending into the homes of GAS patients are trained by our Gender Affirmation Program (GAP). How can healthcare providers better treat GAS patients?Īsia: Education and preparation are key when caring for GAS patients.
I had the opportunity to speak with Asia about her personal journey and how it impacts her work with GAS patients, and her insight is powerful.
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