As the national climate concerning transgender rights harshens, Maryland finds itself in a position to become a sanctuary for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
At a Pride month reception held at the governor’s mansion on June 5, Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order to protect gender-affirming health care in Maryland and those who seek it out from facing legal repercussions in other states. This was the latest act by the state’s government, which has ramped up protections for the LGBTQ+ community this year.
Beginning in 2024, Maryland Medicaid will be required to cover gender-affirming health care services, including hormone therapy, puberty blockers, voice alterations and surgeries, because of the Trans Health Equity Act, recently passed by the General Assembly. Medicaid will be unable to limit or deny health coverage that is prescribed because of a person’s gender identity or exclude treatment because it is deemed a cosmetic procedure.
