RI Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner releases guidance on Trans Health Insurance Discrmination

Today, the Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner released guidance Regarding Prohibited Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Expression. TGI Network wants to thank Governor Gina Raimondo for her strong support and leadership on this issue. This guidance is the result of years of advocacy by TGI Network and our many community partners including GLAD, to educate state leadership on the needs of the transgender community.

The guidance states that "Denial, exclusion or other limitations of coverage by a health insurer for medically necessary treatment otherwise covered by a health insurance policy or contract based solely on an individual's gender identity, expression or gender dysphoria is sex discrimination prohibited under Rhode Island Law".

This is a monumental moment for trans* rights in the state of Rhode Island. Combined with the announcement about updated Medicaid policies regarding Gender Dysphoria 3 weeks ago, the state of Rhode Island is sending the message loud and clear that transgender people are valued in our community and that the state will no longer tolerate systemic discrimination in health care access for transgender people.

More information will be available soon about what this means in practice. For now- read the guidance below.