Judge Robert Hinkle denied a preliminary injunction request from transgender rights groups to stop the state’s rule from taking effect, according to the report. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration finalized rules in August stating that Medicaid does not cover services for treatments such as puberty-blocking medications, hormone therapies or surgical procedures as a treatment for gender dysphoria.
The transgender rights groups’ lawsuit argued Florida’s policy violates constitutional rights and federal nondiscrimination statutes because it categorically denies trans residents treatment on the basis of gender identity. The judge said the lawsuit addressed a potential violation of Medicaid law rather than a broader constitutional issue, according to the report.
“There’s nothing wrong with the state saying they will approve treatment for this and not that,” he said shortly before his ruling, according to the report. “The question here is about the Medicaid statute.”
Florida is one of at least 10 states that blocks Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care, according to the report.
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