Ohio Rep. introduces bill targeting trans adults’ health insurance

A Republican lawmaker in Ohio has introduced a new bill that would limit health insurance coverage for transgender adults across the state.

HB838The bill, introduced by Republican Rep. Josh Williams last Thursday (April 30), would block Medicaid from covering many forms of gender-affirming care and penalize cities and local governments that offer trans-inclusive health insurance plans to their employees.

The bill also states that if trans-affirming benefits are provided, the cost of that care will be deducted from the local government’s portion of the Ohio General Revenue Fund.

The proposal is the latest move in Williams’ broader bill targeting LGBTQ+ people this Congress. Williams has introduced six other bills to the General Assembly that would be harmful to LGBTQ+ people. Mr. Williams is currently running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Advocates have criticized HB 838, saying it could undermine access to medically necessary care and impede local governments’ ability to determine their own employee benefit policies. “The ever-increasing restrictions and restrictions on health care undermine the safety, health and well-being of all people, not just TransOhioans,” said TransOhio Director Dara Adkison. defendersaid the bill was “reprehensible.”

Some cities in Ohio are already pushing back. In the Cleveland suburb of Lakewood, local leaders recently pushed for a “gender-free policy” aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ employees and maintaining access to gender-affirming health care coverage, even if they must seek care out of state. “I will continue to fight for dignity and respect for my community and all people,” said LGBTQ+ City Councilwoman Cindy Stbig, criticizing the state Legislature for focusing on transgender people instead of broader issues affecting Ohioans.

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