— from Governor Jay Inslee’s Office —
In case you missed it: Last week, the Trump administration announced its final rule rolling back health care protections for transgender patients.
Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler today announced action to enact emergency rulemaking that will protect transgender Washingtonians’ access to health care. The emergency rule will implement HB 2338, which took effect on June 11, prohibiting discrimination by health insurers in Washington.
“This rule is a direct and reprehensible attack on transgender people that undermines the promise of equal access to health care for all Americans,” Inslee said. “It stands in stark contrast to today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision recognizing that anti-discrimination laws clearly extend to LGBTQ Americans and this will not stand in Washington.
“I am grateful for Commissioner Kreidler’s leadership in preserving these critical protections for Washingtonians and ensuring no patients face barriers to medical care because of who they are.”
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It is a good question whether the federal government can, by internal directive, violate the rights of LGBT+ people just upheld by the US Supreme Court. I hope Washington initiates or participates in a suit to remove the President’s latest directive that does exactly that.
Bill,
Seattle’s Ingersoll Gender Center (www.ingersollgendercenter.org) posted a statement yesterday reminding us,
“To be clear, in the State of Washington transgender and gender diverse people cannot be denied access to healthcare on the basis of their gender identity – regardless of what the President says.”
Ingersoll Center has a wealth of information about The Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) that prevents healthcare providers and insurers from discriminating on the basis of gender identity.
I’m with you — I also hope Washington initiates or participates in a suit to remove the President’s latest directive.
And thank you Commissioner Kreidler for your leadership.