Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’ administration opened the door to state-funded genital surgeries for minors last year when it removed age restrictions on most transgender procedures from the state’s healthcare policy.
Walz, who is now presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ running mate, instructed Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS) to ensure “up-to-date, medically necessary gender affirming treatments are covered” for reimbursement by the state’s health care program in a March 2023 executive order. Later that month, the Health Services Advisory Council (HSAC), a 14-member council appointed by the DHS commissioner, took up the issue of reforming the policy over the course of five meetings beginning in March, according to meeting minutes and other public records.
The HSAC ultimately voted not to add age criteria for breast removal and recommended following “WPATH standards” for a range of other procedures. Based on the council’s recommendations, the DHS updated the coverage policy in September 2023 to “remove most age restrictions,” except for a requirement to be over 18 for phalloplasty.
HSAC members are paid $200 per meeting, according to the DHS website. […]
– Read More: dailycallernewsfoundation.org
