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Podcasts Take Two
Transgender Victory: Medicare now covers gender reassignment surgery
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Jun 3, 2014
Listen • 6:17
Transgender Victory: Medicare now covers gender reassignment surgery
The decision ends a 33-year ban, and it means the government recognizes the procedures are medically necessary for those who don't identify with their biological sex.
A converted U.S. flag displays rainbow colors as people relax on the grass after the fourth annual national march for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender rights April 30, 2000 on the mall in Washington, DC.
A converted U.S. flag displays rainbow colors as people relax on the grass after the fourth annual national march for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender rights April 30, 2000 on the mall in Washington, DC.
(
Michael Smith/Getty Images
)

The decision ends a 33-year ban, and it means the government recognizes the procedures are medically necessary for those who don't identify with their biological sex.

Medicare will now cover gender reassignment surgery, ending a 33-year ban.

It's a legal victory for transgender people, and the decision means the government recognizes the procedures are medically necessary for those who don't identify with their biological sex. 

It's the latest in a string of cases that have moved the ball forward for transgender rights advocates.

Ilona Turner, legal director at the Transgender Law Center, talks with Alex Cohen for more of the case that prompted the change.