logo

Did a Tony Evers veto allow Wisconsin children to choose gender reassignment surgery paid for by Medicaid?

By Tom Kertscher
NO

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a part of the 2023-25 state budget that would have prohibited people from using Medicaid to pay for some transgender health services.

The veto allows Medicaid payment for gender reassignment surgery, and for puberty-blocking medicine used for the purposes of gender dysphoria or gender transition.

Medicaid is state-federal program that provides health services for low-income adults and others, such as people with disabilities.

Neither the budget provision, approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature, nor the Democratic governor’s veto addressed minors choosing gender reassignment surgery.

The Associated Press reported that nationally, such surgeries aren’t offered until a patient becomes a legal adult, though exceptions are made for minor teens who meet certain criteria.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Wisconsin Watch, the news arm of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, increases the quality and quantity of investigative reporting in Wisconsin, while training current and future investigative journalists. Its work fosters an informed citizenry and strengthens democracy.
FACT BRIEF BY
facebook
twitter
email
email