LGBTQ and health advocacy groups filed a federal lawsuit challenging Florida's ban on healthcare providers from billing Medicaid for gender-affirming medical treatment, The Washington Post reported Sept. 7.
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration's rule, which took effect Aug. 21, states that Medicaid no longer covers treatments such as puberty blocking-medications, hormone therapies or surgical procedures as a treatment for gender dysphoria.
The lawsuit argues the state's policy violates constitutional rights and federal nondiscrimination statutes because it categorically denies trans residents treatment on the basis of gender identity, according to the report.
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration did not immediately respond to the Post's request for comment.
Florida is one of nine states that prohibit Medicaid from being used for gender-affirming treatments.