Iowa GOP Plans Budget Bill to Bar Medicaid for Gender-Affirming Care

Iowa Senate Republicans are advancing a budget bill that would prohibit Medicaid and other taxpayer-funded programs from covering gender-affirming care for transgender residents, including surgeries, hormone treatments, and potentially mental health services related to gender dysphoria. This move follows the recent removal of gender identity as a protected class from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, which previously served as a key legal barrier to such bans. Advocates and Democratic lawmakers argue that the bill is overly broad and could endanger the health of transgender Iowans by denying medically recognized treatments, with some suggesting it remains unconstitutional despite changes to state law. The proposal has sparked concerns about increased mental health risks and potential legal challenges, as previous attempts to bar Medicaid coverage were struck down by Iowa courts citing civil rights protections. The House version of the health and human services budget does not currently include similar restrictions, but House Republicans are considering the Senate's proposal. Supporters of the bill argue it aligns with recent state efforts to restrict transgender rights, while opponents warn of serious consequences for vulnerable populations.