Publicly-Funded Health Care for Quebec Transsexuals

Hon. Mr. Phillipe Couillard
Ministre de la santй et des services sociaux
Йdifice Catherine-de-Longprй
1075, chemin Sainte-Foy, 15e йtage
Quйbec (Quйbec) G1S 2M1

Re: publicly-funded health care for Quebec transsexuals

We, the undersigned, express our sincere concern regarding Quebec transsexuals current lack of access to publicly funded health care for the purposes of gender transition.

We understand that certain procedures relating to sex change are currently insured services according to the Regie de lassurance maladie (RAMQ), but that these services are largely unavailable to Quebec transsexuals, forcing the majority of trans people to attempt to access services in the private sector, at great personal cost.

We know that other important procedures relating to sex change are currently designated as uninsured services.

We have learned that RAMQ is currently evaluating its policies with regards to transsexuals, in order to provide a more beneficial service to trans communities.

We understand that a coalition of community organisations that serve transsexuals has been attempting since November 2004 to ensure that the transsexual community is widely consulted in all matters that pertain to trans health care, but that this coalition has yet to be assured of consultation.

We believe that significant changes must be made to current RAMQ policy in order to adequately address the needs of this diverse and marginalised community, and that changes will be successful only if the transsexual community is included in the policy development process.

We urge the ministry of Health and Social Services and RAMQ to take immediate action on this issue.