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SD 3650

An Act for long-term coverage of gender affirming care medications

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Julian Cyr

Massachusetts bill mandates long-term health insurance coverage for gender-affirming care medications to improve access and continuity of treatment.

Referred to the committee on Financial Services
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Bill Summary · SD 3650

Legislative bill overview

SD 3650 proposes to establish long-term coverage requirements for gender-affirming care medications through Massachusetts' insurance system. The bill would mandate that health insurance plans provide sustained pharmaceutical coverage for individuals undergoing gender-affirming medical treatment. This legislation addresses access to hormone therapy and related medications used in gender transition care.

Why is this important

Insurance coverage directly affects healthcare accessibility and affordability for transgender and non-binary individuals seeking medical transition options. Currently, coverage policies vary significantly across Massachusetts insurers, creating unpredictable out-of-pocket costs that may prevent some individuals from accessing prescribed medications. Standardizing long-term coverage ensures continuity of care, which is medically important since interrupting hormone therapy can cause adverse effects.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: Disagreement over which medications and treatments qualify as "gender-affirming care" and should be covered under the mandate
  • Cost implications: Insurance industry concerns about premium impacts and long-term financial obligations versus advocates' arguments that coverage reduces overall healthcare costs
  • Religious/philosophical opposition: Resistance from groups opposing gender-affirming medical treatment on moral or ideological grounds versus civil rights advocates supporting equitable healthcare access

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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