PFLAG Opposes Bill to Harm Millions of Families

WASHINGTON—Last night, while most of the country slept, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a budget package that makes many changes to Medicaid, including eliminating coverage for transgender youth and HIV coverage, and restricts SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. The bill also excises transgender healthcare as an EHB (essential health benefit) for plans available on state exchanges under the Affordable Care Act.

As the bill moves to the Senate, Brian K. Bond (he/him/his), CEO of PFLAG National made the following statement:

“As a person living with HIV who is able to get healthcare, this bill is mortifying and will cost lives. It will burden our healthcare system. It’s mean-spirited, short-sighted, politically motivated, and is government malpractice.

“This bill would force millions of families to choose between paying for healthcare, food, or housing each month. It especially impacts every family who relies on Medicaid for healthcare, from HIV prevention and treatment, to transgender healthcare, to general well-being. This bill must be stopped by the Senate. We will mobilize our PFLAG members and supporters to reach their Senators to thank supportive ones and demand a ‘No’ vote from Senators who are advocating for destructive harm to Americans.

“It is downright un-American to take away access to healthcare. The LGBTQ+ people, parents, families and allies of PFLAG will fight this bill.”