Summary of HR 2487 - Transgender Health Care Access Act

Bill Number: HR 2487

Introduced: March 31, 2025

Status: Introduced in House

Committee: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Purpose and Intent

The Transgender Health Care Access Act aims to improve access to health care services for transgender individuals. The bill seeks to address disparities in health care access and outcomes for transgender people by ensuring that they receive necessary medical services without discrimination.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions designed to enhance health care access for transgender individuals:

• Non-Discrimination Protections: Prohibits health care providers and insurers from discriminating against individuals based on gender identity or expression.

• Coverage for Gender-Affirming Care: Mandates that health insurance plans cover gender-affirming treatments, including hormone therapy and surgical procedures, as medically necessary services.

• Training Requirements: Requires health care providers to undergo training on transgender health issues to improve the quality of care provided to transgender patients.

• Data Collection: Establishes guidelines for the collection of data on health outcomes for transgender individuals to better inform policy decisions and health care practices.

• Outreach Programs: Allocates funding for outreach programs aimed at educating transgender individuals about their health care rights and available services.

Who Would Be Affected

The Transgender Health Care Access Act would primarily benefit:

• Transgender Individuals: By ensuring access to necessary health care services and protections against discrimination.

• Health Care Providers: By providing training and resources to better serve transgender patients.

• Health Insurance Companies: By clarifying coverage requirements for gender-affirming care.

Procedural Aspects

• The bill was introduced in the House and has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for further consideration.

• As of now, no specific timeline for further action has been established, but the bill's progress will depend on committee discussions and potential amendments.

Sponsors

The bill is sponsored by Becca Balint and has numerous cosponsors, including notable representatives such as:

• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
• Pramila Jayapal
• Ilhan Omar
• Maxine Waters

This broad support indicates a strong commitment among lawmakers to address the health care needs of transgender individuals.

This summary provides an overview of HR 2487, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, affected populations, and procedural status. The bill represents a significant step towards improving health care access and equity for transgender individuals in the United States.