An Ohio Republican has introduced a new bill that would restrict healthcare coverage for transgender adults across the state.
HB 838, introduced by Republican Rep. Josh Williams on Thursday, 30 April, would block Medicaid from covering many forms of gender-affirming care. The bill would also penalise cities and local governments that offer trans-inclusive health insurance plans to their employees.
Under the proposed measure, if any trans-affirming benefits are provided, the cost of that care would be deducted from the local authority’s share of Ohio’s General Revenue Fund.
The bill is the latest in a series of proposals from Williams targeting LGBTQ+ people during this legislative session. He has introduced six other bills in the General Assembly that advocates say would harm LGBTQ+ communities.
Williams is also currently running for a seat in the US House of Representatives.
Advocates condemn the proposal
LGBTQ+ advocates have criticised HB 838, warning that it would further undermine access to medically necessary healthcare for transgender Ohioans.
They also say the bill interferes with the ability of cities and local governments to make their own decisions about employee benefits.
“Continued increasing of restrictions and limitations to healthcare undermines the safety, health and wellbeing of not only trans Ohioans but everyone,” Dara Adkison, director of TransOhio, told The Advocate.
Adkison described the bill as “reprehensible”.
Ohio cities push back
Some local leaders in Ohio are already moving to protect trans-inclusive healthcare access.
In Lakewood, a suburb of Cleveland, officials recently advanced a “Gender Freedom Policy” aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ employees and preserving access to gender-affirming healthcare coverage, even if care needs to be sought outside the state.
Out LGBTQ+ Councilmember Cindy Strebig criticised state lawmakers for targeting trans people rather than focusing on wider issues affecting Ohio residents.
“I will continue to fight for my community and the dignity and respect of all people,” Strebig said.
The proposed bill comes amid continuing efforts by Republican lawmakers across the United States to restrict access to gender-affirming care, including for transgender adults.
For advocates, HB 838 represents another attempt to make healthcare less accessible for trans people while punishing local governments that seek to provide inclusive benefits.
