Joe Biden: Transgender Surgery is 'Medically Necessary'
Presidential candiate press for chaages for insurers to cover procedures.
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Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden has said that sex confirmation surgery is medically necessary for transgender people as he pushed for changes that would force insurers to cover procedures.
Speaking at a virtual event with the Human Rights Campaign, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee was asked if he would ensure transgender people have access to healthcare that is affordable.
"As president, I'm going to protect and build on Obamacare with a public option," Biden said.
"That's the fastest way to get to universal coverage," he added.
"Reverse Trump's actions and restore Obamacare protections for LGBTQ Americans. And cover PrEP [pre-exposure prophylaxis] so that people at high risk of getting HIV and AIDS, HIV/AIDS, do have — don't have to choose between covering their rent and staying alive," he said.
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The former Vice President then highlighted surgery for transgenders.
“And make sure insurance companies treat gender confirmation surgery as a medical necessity, which it is," Biden said.
Biden also noted that the Affordable Care Act stopped insurers from charging individuals extra based on sexual orientation.
"Trump has been trying to gut these protections since he took office," Biden said.
"Anyone involved in patient care, from the board of directors to a receptionist in charge of scheduling, could put their beliefs above your healthcare."
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According to Biden's plan, he aims to "ensure coverage for comprehensive care for LGBTQ+ Americans," including "covering care related to transitioning — including gender confirmation surgery."
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is considering defining gender as unchangeable, the biological fact that is assigned at birth, removing transgender identity.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is looking to create a new legal definition of sex under Title IX.
HHS will define gender on:
"A biological basis that is clear, grounded in science, objective and administrable,” the memo writes, according to The New York Times.
