Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Gender is one of the required fields on the application. It helps ensure that all applicants are considered for all benefits for which they may be eligible. For example, all applicants who identify as female will be asked about pregnancy status and may be considered for enhanced pregnancy or post-partum benefits. Applicants who identify as male will not be asked about pregnancy. Therefore, if an applicant is pregnant, then the applicant must answer the gender question based on their sex assigned at birth in order to be screened for pregnancy-based Medicaid. The gender response will not be used to confirm identity with the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The applicant's response to the gender question will be transmitted to the insurance company, but it is a violation of District of Columbia law to restrict access to health benefits based on gender expression or identity. Therefore, applicants should answer this question according to whichever gender they primarily identify, even if all of their legal documentation does not reflect the same gender.