WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House just defeated the discriminatory Hartzler Amendment by a close 214-209 vote. The measure, which would have barred the Defense Department from expending funds on transition-related care, was introduced by Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) as part of the fiscal year 2018 defense authorization bill. The Washington Blade reported that Hartzler had insisted…
In 2010, the Tea Party used congressional recesses to hammer members of Congress on the evils of “Obamacare.” Though it eventually passed, energized activists carried Republicans to sweeping victories in the midterm elections, and have kept repeal (and replace?) at the forefront of conservative politics ever since. Having ridden the same wave to become majority…
For decades, San Diego’s vibrant and eclectic LGBTQ community has come together each summer to celebrate its uniqueness, diversity and achievements while acknowledging the struggles it still faces. From the historic Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage across the country and the growing visibility of the transgender rights movement, to the emergence of medication…
WASHINGTON — Clinical laboratories could significantly improve healthcare for the transgender community by using both sex and gender identity to make decisions about clinical testing, and by determining normal lab values for healthy transgender patients. A review published today in AACC’s Clinical Chemistry journal emphasizes these as critical steps on the road to eliminating the many…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Covered California on Friday shared with the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) an analysis that shows that a decision not to provide ongoing direct federal funding for cost-sharing reductions would have immediate and dramatic effects on rates, federal spending and the viability of exchanges across the nation. “The impact of not providing direct…
Today, San Diego small business owners will attend the crowdfunded and community organized Emergency Town Hall on Healthcare for the 49th Congressional District to express their deep concerns about Congressman Darrell Issa’s proposed replacement to the Affordable Care Act. Rep. Issa has refused to attend the event, so a cardboard cutout of the congressman will…
Normally, this would be the “Year in Preview” column. Frankly, I’m just not ready to gaze into the gathering political storm, particularly since the only bright spots will be lightning from LA Bolts. Instead, I’ll focus on a question I’ve been answering in my day job: “What’s going to happen to my health care?” If…
A federal judge has decided to issue an injunction blocking enforcement of federal protections that were set to go into effect Jan. 1 barring discrimination in health care services based on an individual’s gender identity, as well as reproductive health services. U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor’s decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by…
WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has released a new video highlighting health care professionals who are speaking out against dangerous legislation targeting transgender students – including bills currently pending in Tennessee and South Carolina. As anti-equality activists across the country push for laws targeting transgender youth and adults, these experts – including pediatricians, a…
SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown signed landmark legislation today that prohibits state agencies from doing business with companies that fail to offer transgender employees the same health care coverage and benefits they provide all other workers. Senate Bill 703, authored by Sen. Mark Leno, builds on existing California law that requires gender nondiscrimination in employee…
