Disputed health law rule would broaden transgender rights
http://apnews.excite.com/article/20160322/us--health_overhaul-transgender-52d2cb7700.html
By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR
WASHINGTON (AP) Big companies are pushing back against proposed federal rules they say would require their medical plans to cover gender transition and other services under the nondiscrimination mandate of President Barack Obama's health care law.
Civil rights advocates representing transgender people say the regulation, now being finalized by the Health and Human Services Department, would be a major step forward for a marginalized community beginning to gain acceptance as celebrities like Caitlyn Jenner tell their stories.
The issue mixes rapidly changing social mores and subtle interpretations of complex federal laws, including the Affordable Care Act. Obama has been recognized as the first president openly supportive of transgender rights.
The latest dispute over the health care law may have to be resolved by the courts. The law's nondiscrimination section applies federal civil rights protections to programs under the health overhaul. The legal text refers to entities "receiving federal financial assistance," interpreted to include insurers, state Medicaid agencies, hospitals and other service providers. It doesn't mention major private employers that run their own health plans.
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