Becoming an active Veteran

[Guest Gerilynn]

I wanted to post this. I have decided to become active and try to speak up about the Transgender helthcare provided to veterans. I sent a letter to my congressional delegation about my concern for the insurance provided to veterans and care by the VA. I am sure I did not get everything corrrect in my letter so please respond and help me correct my mistakes. I hope it encourages others to start the conversation. Please copy and make it your own and contact your congressional representatives and Senators.

One inaccuracy is in the last line (No further care is allowed under these exclusionary policies.) I am aware of the VA letter and after care for surgical procedures.

Please any feedback would be nice. If we can get veterans included the rest will follow. California just made it a requirement.

Here is the text.

I am a retired veteran of the US (your service). I am also transgendered. I use TRICARE as my health insurance. TRICARE and the Veterans Administration (VA) both have exclusions for specific medical care related to transgendered veterans. The TRICARE exclusion reads Sex changes or sexual inadequacy treatment, with the exception of treatment of ambiguous genitalia that has been documented to be present at birth

Our nations most reputable medical bodies have identified transgender health care as being medically necessary. In 2008, the American Medical Association passed a resolution supporting public and private health insurance coverage for treatment of gender identity disorder and opposing the exclusions of coverage for treatment of gender identity disorder when prescribed by a physician. That same year, the American Psychological Association passed a resolution stating that the organization opposes all public and private discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived gender identity and expression and urges the repeal of discriminatory laws and policies;. And in 2012 the American Psychiatric Association affirmed that the organization Urges the repeal of laws and policies that discriminate against transgender and gender variant individuals. and Opposes all public and private discrimination against transgender and gender variant individuals in such areas as health care, employment, housing, public accommodation, education, and licensing.

Presently transgendered veterans can receive counseling services for mental health and hormone support through the pharmacy from both programs. No further care is allowed under these exclusionary policies.

I would ask you and the rest of our states delegation to address this issue.

Thank you for your assistance on this matter

Signed....

[Ravin]

You might include references to your sources so it can be fact-checked, but it looks good to me.