Accessibility to Gender Affirming Treatments for Transgender Patients in New Jersey

Background: The literature clearly indicates that gender affirming treatments, such as gender reassignment surgery, counseling, exogenous hormones, and feminization/masculinization surgery, are highly effective and beneficial for transgender patients. Purpose: The purpose of this review was to assess the barriers to accessing gender affirming treatments in New Jersey. Methods: This review utilized the PubMed database and Google searches to gather information. The search terms included LGBTQ healthcare, LGBTQ Medicaid, transgender treatment, transgender healthcare, top surgery New Jersey, New Jersey Medicare and Medicaid, and transgender Health Insurance in New Jersey. Results: New Jersey State Medicaid covers both gender affirming surgery and hormone replacement therapy. Additionally, New Jersey provides statewide protection for both patients seeking care and doctors providing care. Among recent legislative bans in other states, New Jersey is a ‘safe state’ for those seeking care. However, a major barrier to accessing this care is the lack of physicians/care clinics that provide or advertise care in New Jersey. Conclusion: New Jersey is in dire need of physicians and medical institutions that openly treat transgender patients, particularly in coastal and central New Jersey. New Jersey physicians need to increase their online presence to be ‘searchable’ so that transgender patients can find providers for treatment.