Oppose SB4638: Protect Healthcare Access for Transgender Youth

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Senate Bill 4638, specifically its provision prohibiting the use of Tricare funds for gender-affirming care for minors. This bill, introduced on July 8, 2024, by Senator Jack Reed [D-RI], would deny essential medical treatments to transgender youth in military families, including puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and necessary surgeries. As a constituent deeply concerned about healthcare access and equality, I urge you to vote against this bill. The proposed restriction on Tricare coverage for gender-affirming care is not only discriminatory but also goes against established medical consensus. Major medical associations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, recognize gender-affirming care as medically necessary and often life-saving for transgender youth. Denying access to these treatments can have severe consequences for the mental health and well-being of transgender minors in military families. These young people already face unique challenges, and restricting their access to medically necessary care adds an unnecessary burden. It's crucial to note that decisions regarding gender-affirming treatments are made carefully between patients, their families, and medical professionals. This bill would inappropriately insert government restrictions into private healthcare decisions. Furthermore, this provision contradicts the military's commitment to supporting all service members and their families. By targeting the children of military personnel, it undermines the readiness and morale of our armed forces. Our service members deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing their children can access the healthcare they need. I ask you to stand up for the rights and well-being of all military families by opposing SB4638. Please work to ensure that any final version of this bill does not include restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors covered by Tricare. Our military families deserve comprehensive healthcare coverage that respects the needs of all their members, including transgender youth. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I look forward to hearing about your efforts to protect the healthcare rights of all constituents, especially our vulnerable youth in military families.