Trump rule cuts Medicaid, CHIP funding for trans youth care
What's next: The policy takes effect Oct. 13 and leaves state dollars available, while mental health services remain covered.
The Trump administration moved Tuesday to block federal Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program funding for gender-affirming care for children and youth, including puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries. The rule is set to take effect Oct. 13. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said the change followed a review with the Department of Health and Human Services that found evidence gaps and safety concerns. Major medical groups support gender-affirming care when provided under clinical guidelines, and mental health advocates say access can improve outcomes for transgender youth. The new rule does not change federal coverage for mental health services for children. State money could still be used to pay for the treatments.