City of Wilton Manors Urges all Members of the Federal and Florida Governments to Make Transgender-Related Healthcare More Accessible

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May 16, 2016, 08:10 ET

WILTON MANORS, Fla., May 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, May 10, 2016 the Wilton Manors City Commission unanimously passed Resolution 2016-039. The Resolution, sponsored by Commissioner Justin S. Flippen, urges all members of the federal and Florida governments to implement Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the proposed rule to eliminate any and all exclusions from coverage based upon sex, gender identity or gender expression and to require coverage for any and all medically necessary procedures and treatments for gender affirmation or gender reassignment.

"We need protections and regulations at both the state and federal levels banning insurance discrimination against the transgender community," said Justin S. Flippen, Wilton Manors City Commissioner. "This resolution formally advocates that federal and state regulators add comprehensive transgender-related procedures and treatments to current standards of care."

Section 1557 of the ACA is intended to advance prevention and wellness, reduce health disparities and improve access to health care services. In 2008, the American Medical Association adopted a resolution to end discrimination in health insurance coverage for transgender individuals. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ruled for the first time that transgender people are entitled to surgical benefits provided under Medicare Advantage insurers, including gender affirming.

"Now it's time for our regulatory authorities and officials to expand the definitions of health insurance coverage and critical care to include gender confirmation/reassignment and transgender-inclusive medical care," said Flippen. "Doing this would allow smaller cities, like Wilton Manors, the ability to obtain sustainable transgender-inclusive healthcare which is currently available in other states and regions of our country."

The City of Wilton, a longtime leader in advocating for LGBT equal rights, will also advocate for other governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to support the advocacy efforts outlined in Resolution 2016-039. A certified copy of the Resolution will be transmitted to the National League of Cities, Broward League of Cities, the Florida League of Cities, the Broward County Legislative Delegation, and the U.S. Congressional Delegation for Florida.

"As a City, we advocate for positive change that eliminates barriers and creates a more equal society for all," said Flippen. "We have made great progress, but there is still more to be done."

On May 24, 2016 at 6:15 p.m., City officials will permanently raise the pride flag at Jaycee Park, located across from City Hall at the corner of Wilton Drive and NE 21 Court. Then on June 18, 2016 the City of Wilton Manors will host the 17^th Annual Stonewall Street Festival and Parade. This highly anticipated festival, commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Riots, will kick off with family friendly activities including bounce houses and face painting at 11 a.m., followed by a street festival beginning at 3 p.m. with dozens of vendors, including bars and restaurants, the famous Stonewall parade at 6 p.m. and live entertainment on multiple stages. To learn more visit www.stonewallwiltonmanors.com.

As a result of the 2010 US Census, the City of Wilton Manors was named the "Second Gayest City" in the United States. With a large percentage of the population identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, Wilton Manors has been recognized nationally and internationally as one of the most progressive places to live, work and play for many years.

To connect with the City of Wilton Manors visit www.wiltonmanors.com.

ABOUT THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS
Wilton Manors was laid out in 1925 by Edward John "Ned" Willingham, a land developer from Georgia, as an upscale residential community. It was recognized as a Village in 1947 and incorporated as a City in 1953. Today, the City of Wilton Manors offers all the benefits of a big city from shopping, to hip restaurants and bars, a burgeoning arts community and tons of community events, yet still maintains a cozy, community-feeling offering miles of natural waterways perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding and other outdoor activities. Recently named the "Second Gayest City" in the United States, the City of Wilton Manors celebrates a diverse population of approximately 12,000 residents. To learn more about the live, work and play opportunities in Wilton Manors call (954) 390-2100 or visit www.wiltonmanors.com.

CONTACT: Laurie Menekou, (954) 732-0754 (or) [email protected]

SOURCE City of Wilton Manors