Lobby group looks for better health care access for trans patients. – 660 News

A health lobby group is urging the Alberta Government to change the rules for trans-gender patients seeking hormone therapy.

According to Friends of Medicare, there are too many barriers.

Right now, trans-gender patients are required to undergo psychiatric therapy before getting access to hormone therapy.

Executive Director Sandra Azocar says its a gatekeeping model that needs to end.

We definitely believe that the principals of Medicare is based on equal access for all, regardless of the contents of your wallet or in this case if you are a trans person in this country, Azocar explains.

Were very concerned about the health disparities and discriminatory practices faced by trans people in Alberta when trying to access hormone replacement therapy.

She says Alberta lags behind some other places.

Azocar says it would save the system money moving to informed consent, which happens in some other jurisdictions.

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Lobby group looks for better health care access for trans patients. - 660 News