Nevada Governor Defies Party Norms, Signs Bill to Cover Transgender Surgeries

In a bold move that defies the national trend of Republican governors opposing transgender surgeries, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, a Republican himself, signed a bill on June 12 requiring health insurance companies to cover these procedures.

This groundbreaking decision follows the footsteps of Oregon’s Democrat governor, who signed a similar law just last month.

But Governor Lombardo didn’t stop there. Earlier in June, he also signed a second bill mandating the adoption of health standards for transgender and gender-nonconforming inmates in the state’s Department of Corrections, along with cultural competency training for officers.

While six state legislatures with Democrat majorities have already passed bills in favor of transgender medical procedures and policies, Lombardo’s signature is a significant departure from the stance of other Republican governors.

Notably, Lombardo recently signed a bill that protects physicians providing abortions from disciplinary actions, further defying party norms.

However, the governor faced criticism from transgender advocates for vetoing a measure that would have safeguarded providers of transgender surgeries and services from losing their medical licenses. This decision has raised concerns about the shortage of providers in Nevada.

Despite the backlash, Lombardo’s veto on June 3 may have inadvertently led to more transgender surgeries being deemed “medically necessary” by insurance companies in Nevada, resulting in increased coverage.

Republican Response to Transgender Issues

Meanwhile, other Republicans are questioning the Department of Health and Human Services’ advocacy for transgender treatments.

In April, GOP lawmakers demanded evidence from HHS justifying their support for what they consider dangerous medical procedures for transgender minors.

A letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra expressed concerns about the prescription of experimental drugs and surgeries to troubled children.