According to this weekend’s New York Post, Governor Cuomo’s administration is refusing to even consider providing basic transition health services to transgender people through Medicaid.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav Shah nixed the idea before one of the governor’s Medicaid redesign work group’s had an opportunity to discuss the proposal. Shah revealed his extreme ignorance—if not transphobia.

The American Medical Association says care related to changing one’s gender is medically necessary for the health of transgender people—and three other states use Medicaid to pay for these services. New York used to pay for these services until 1998, when, under Gov. Pataki, it changed its regulations. Lack of access to hormones and other services puts transgender individuals at risk of HIV and other illnesses by forcing them to go to the black market.

Let Governor Cuomo know that you are outraged that his administration is refusing to even consider providing basic transition health services to transgender people through Medicaid.

CALL 212-681-4580 OR 518-474-8390 and tell the governor how you feel in your own words, or say, “I’d like to let Gov. Cuomo know that I am outraged that his administration is refusing to even consider providing basic transition health services to transgender people through Medicaid.”

TWEET THIS: “Trans health care is a human right! @NYGovCuomo, tell Commissioner Shah to consider Medicaid for transitioning New Yorkers!”

POST ON CUOMO’s FACEBOOK He has two, so use the one labeled “Government Official”: http://www.facebook.com/GovernorAndrewCuomo?ref=ts.

Thank you for supporting trans rights and trans health care!

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