Study shows lack of providers and insurance denials as common barriers to gender-affirming HT

Transgender individuals are facing challenges in accessing gender-affirming hormone therapy due to a variety of barriers, including lack of available providers and insurance denials. Provider Barriers Providers are experiencing difficulties in prescribing gender-affirming HT for adults, with gaps in medical knowledge, navigating diagnoses, and stigma attached to treating transgender patients being major hurdles. On the other hand, facilitating care through multidisciplinary healthcare teams and telehealth has shown positive outcomes. Patient Barriers Discrimination, difficulty finding providers, and insurance denials are common barriers faced by transgender adults seeking gender-affirming HT. Some resort to obtaining hormones without prescriptions, posing potential health risks. Facilitators include telemedicine visits and informed consent care models. Youth Barriers Youth also face challenges in accessing gender-affirming HT, with issues like navigating the healthcare system, insurance denials, and affordability hindering their care. Telemedicine has shown to be beneficial in increasing access to care for youths. Future Directions Future research needs to focus on identifying additional barriers to accessing gender-affirming HT, especially in regions with limited care due to legislation. Further studies are needed to explore alternative facilitators to care beyond telemedicine. For more information, contact Lauren Porsch-Ortega, PhD, MPH, at lauren.porsch@ppfa.org.