Rep. Becca Balint, the first openly gay lawmaker to represent Vermont in Congress, introduced the Transgender Health Care Access Act on Monday, aiming to enhance access to gender-affirming care for transgender individuals nationwide. The bill seeks to improve medical providers’ education and training, with a focus on underserved areas like rural and Indigenous communities.
Balint, who introduced the legislation on International Transgender Day of Visibility, explained that the bill would allocate grants through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support the development, implementation, and training of gender-affirming care practices. The measure specifically targets communities with limited access to such care, including those served by the Indian Health Service. Notably, the bill excludes funding for any form of conversion therapy.
Though the proposal faces significant hurdles, as Republicans control both chambers of Congress and have a track record of opposing transgender rights, Balint remains resolute in pushing for the bill’s passage. The legislation currently has 30 co-sponsors and represents an opportunity for Democrats to demonstrate their commitment to supporting transgender Americans, Balint said.
“Rep. Balint believes that Democrats must be a vocal force for equality and dignity, especially in light of attacks from the Republican majority,” Sophie Pollock, a spokesperson for Balint, said in a statement. “Even if this legislation faces rejection, it’s crucial that queer and trans Americans see that they have fighters in Congress.”
The Democratic Party has been scrutinized for its approach to transgender rights, particularly during the Trump administration. Recently, California Gov. Gavin Newsom faced backlash for agreeing with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on the issue of trans girls and women competing in female sports. Additionally, former President Donald Trump has continued his opposition to trans rights since returning to office, signing executive orders that threaten access to gender-affirming care and participation in sports for transgender youth. These measures, along with others, are under legal challenge by civil rights organizations.
Compounding concerns, the HHS and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently proposed a rule that could remove gender-affirming care from the list of essential health services covered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If passed, the rule could impact access to care for hundreds of thousands of transgender individuals who rely on ACA coverage.
Transgender individuals already face significant barriers in accessing medical care, with nearly half of transgender people in the U.S. — and 68% of transgender people of color — reporting mistreatment by healthcare providers, including care refusals and abuse, according to a 2021 report from the Center for American Progress.
Advocacy groups have voiced strong support for Balint’s efforts to expand and improve gender-affirming health care. The American Civil Liberties Union, the Human Rights Campaign, and other LGBTQ+ organizations praised the bill as a critical step toward addressing the disparities in transgender health care.
“Lack of access to competent care and a shortage of well-trained providers are significant challenges for transgender people,” said Chris Stoll, senior attorney at the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “The Transgender Health Care Access Act would improve access to care, particularly in underserved areas where it’s most needed.”
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