In states like Texas, lawmakers propose legislation requiring insurers to cover detransition procedures alongside gender-affirming care. Advocates warn such mandates could elevate costs for insurers, potentially limiting coverage for gender-affirming care. Texas' Senate Bill 1257 has passed both houses and awaits Governor Abbott's signature. Critics argue it acts as a hidden ban on trans healthcare, with evidence suggesting transition regret is rare. Advocates emphasize that increased liability could deter insurers, causing financial strain on necessary healthcare for transgender individuals.
Democratic Rep. Gene Wu, who opposed the bill, said it's a back-door way to ban gender-affirming care for trans adults; the state has already banned it for trans minors. He also noted that transition regret is rare. One study has indicated only about 1 percent of patients regret it. "There is higher rates of regret for just about any other type of surgery," he said.
Austin resident Corrie Thompson testified against the measure earlier in the legislative session. "Requiring unknowable and limitless liability for any possible adverse impacts from trans health care will, practically speaking, prevent most insurers from covering the care." It could "drive excessive and inflated costs for plans that do insure trans health care," she added.
Brad Pritchett, interim CEO of Equality Texas, speaking at a rally against the bill, called it a "tax on trans existence," according to WERA.
The Texas bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Jeff Leach, "said he's heard of Texans receiving gender transition treatment with insurance coverage, but later being denied coverage when they are dealing with adverse effects," public broadcaster WERA reports.
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