Gender-affirming surgery coverage expanded

A mental health treatment is a requirement for remedy under the “gold card” healthcare program.

Gender-affirming surgery coverage expanded
On June 30, LGBTQIA organizations will participate in the” This is Pride of Siam” parade. During Pride Month, a promotion to encourage gender diversity included the event. ( Image: Wicheanbut Nutthawat )

In the upcoming months, gender-affirming procedure will be available to LGBTQ subscribers to the “gold cards” general health program.

Gender-affirming surgery has been a part of the program since 2018, according to National Health Security Office ( NHSO ) secretary-general Jadet Thammathataree on Saturday.

However, individuals who are eligible for free care must have been identified by a physician as having sex distress or having other related medical conditions.

” From what we’ve seen, hospitals have asked the NHSO for reimbursements for gender-affirming procedures carried out primarily to correct unusual genitalia.” According to Dr. Jadet, there are about 100 like people per month.

The NHSO may invite several groups to discuss a health package intended for trans people because it is unclear whether they are eligible for gender-affirming surgery. It does cover the treatment process, hormone intake prior to surgery, and disease prevention.

He said, referring to the list of drugs authorized for use in the treatment of diseases under the plan,” Some hormonal treatments are no listed on the National List of Essential Medicines, so we have to check.”

While female diversity is not a disorder, Dr. Jadet responded that if gender dysmorphia is left unattended, LGBTQ people may experience psychological difficulties. This is because patients do not need to be diagnosed by psychiatrists or other medical professionals in order to get the NHSO’s gender-affirming surgery.

Without a clinical examination, gender-affirming operation is typically referred to as plastic surgery.

Patients will be eligible” If we specify]patients ‘ symptoms” and if they meet the requirements for access to the NHSO. According to Dr. Jadet, the treatment depends on a doctor’s judgment and prevents authorities from acting arbitrarily.

The package, which will be released over the coming months, is intended to pay for all expenses associated with gender-affirming surgery, such as physical feminization procedures, breast surgeries, and vaginoplasty. Gender-affirming procedure is only available to silver card holders for free.