>> reporter: comedian jay mcbride knows a good joke. he wasn't amused by that experience. she knew from a young age herrer body didn't match who she believed it was. born as a male, it would be years before she took steps to live as a female. she faced medical roadblocks. the first, hormone treatment not covered by insurance. >> the insurance company i have now and the one prior both had written in specifically insurance does not cover costs for gender reassignment. >> reporter: governor cuomo is reminding them they can't discriminate against those seeking sex reassignment treatment. but that's just a start. >> it's hard to receive specific care, specifically for transgender issues. >> reporter: a transgender advocate is working to improve quality of life along with kim dorsey. they point to bias, inappropriate language and a poor understanding of their unique health issues including hormone treatment and mental health support as being at the heart of barriers. >> just to come to the table and make the person feel welcome to seek the service. >> reporter: saratoga hospital