By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports 

The House State Affairs Committee introduced a new version of an earlier bill that would forbid public funds from being used for transgender medical care, clarifying it applies to both adults and children.  

Sponsored by Rep. Julianne Young, R-Blackfoot, the bill prohibits gender affirming medical treatment and surgeries for people on Medicaid. It also ensures that the cost of the medical treatment is not tax deductible for patients. Because it was introduced as a new bill, it will get another public hearing. 

Gov. Brad Little has repeatedly said he does not support the use of Medicaid funds for gender affirming care, but this bill goes further. It also would prohibit public employees with private insurance through the state from getting gender affirming care.  

The state’s Office of Group Insurance covers about 60,000 Idahoans — including state employees, spouses, and dependents — through its existing contract with Blue Cross of Idaho. 

Additionally, it would prohibit any physician or other health care professional employed by the state, county, or local government from participating in gender-affirming surgeries or medical interventions.   

No state property, facility or building would be able to be used for gender-affirming care, even if the patient has private health insurance.  

There is an ongoing case in federal court, M.H. v Jeppesen, over the legality of denying gender affirming care to Medicaid patients. That lawsuit involves two transgender people who claim Idaho’s Medicaid program refused to pay for their gender affirming medical care.   

The committee introduced the bill in a voice vote with no discussion. The bill must get a public hearing before moving forward.  

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