The CMS announcements outlining proposed regulations for transgender youth healthcare represents a deeply harmful escalation in federal efforts to restrict access to medically necessary, life-saving care.

The Department of Health and Human Services has announced proposed federal regulations that would greatly restrict access to care for transgender youth who rely on Medicaid and CHIP.  It would also prohibit hospitals currently receiving Medicaid or Medicare funding from providing this care to patients under 18. If finalized, these policies would deepen existing healthcare disparities and further undermine care that is widely recognized as essential to the health and wellbeing of trans youth.

This announcement follows a series of recent federal measures that directly target trans youth, their families, and their providers. Together, they reflect a broader effort that ignores medical consensus, disregards decades of research, and upholds misinformation over evidence-based care. These policies are not rooted in science or medical expertise—they are rooted in discrimination and anti-trans rhetoric that seeks to dehumanize trans people.

Rather than expanding healthcare access, lowering extensive barriers and costs, or creating equitable policies and programs that would improve the lives of all Americans, the federal government has chosen to target a marginalized group already facing disproportionate rates of harm. 

“Healthcare decisions belong to patients, families, and medical providers—not politicians,” Kathie Moehlig (she/her), Founder and Executive Director at TransFamily Support Services, said. “Government interference in these deeply personal decisions is an abuse of power and a violation of bodily autonomy. Trans youth healthcare is essential, not debatable—and these measures put lives at risk by denying that fact.”

These announced policies are proposed regulations, not new laws, and they are not yet in effect. Healthcare for trans youth is still legal and available in California, and as of now providers are still able to continue care. Following this announcement, a federal public comment period will open, allowing our community an opportunity to challenge these policies and the harm they would cause. We are preparing to mobilize our allies and advocates, and will continue to push back against policies that endanger trans youth together. 

We recognize the weight of this moment and the fear and uncertainty it brings for many families. TransFamily Support Services is currently working alongside national partners and advocacy leaders, and we will continue to share clear information and next steps as they become available. Our community will not face this alone.