Examining how Medicaid policies affect the health of gender minorities
Policy effects on gender minority health and evidence from the implementation of gender affirming coverage in Medicaid
This study looks at how changes in Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care affect the health and well-being of sexual and gender minorities, focusing on their access to treatments like hormone therapy and surgeries, as well as their mental health outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10914007 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of gender affirming coverage policies in Medicaid on the health of sexual and gender minorities (SGM). By analyzing Medicaid claims and encounter data, the study aims to evaluate how these policies influence the use of gender affirming healthcare services, such as hormone therapy and surgeries. Additionally, it will explore the relationship between these policies and mental health outcomes, including rates of psychiatric hospitalizations and suicidality among gender minority individuals. The research employs a difference-in-differences methodology to assess the effects of policy changes over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse and are enrolled in Medicaid.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as gender minorities or those not enrolled in Medicaid may not receive benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and reduced mental health disparities for gender minority individuals by informing better policy decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that gender affirming healthcare services can significantly improve mental health outcomes for gender minority individuals, indicating a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdowell, Alexandra — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mcdowell, Alexandra
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.