Today, the Trump administration published a final Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule prohibiting federal Medicaid funds from being used to provide medically necessary care for transgender youth under the age of 18, as well as Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funds for individuals under age 19. 

Throughout the federal rulemaking process, more than 35,000 public comments were submitted to the CMS, with families, medical professionals, researchers, and advocates speaking out against these proposed policies. Despite this overwhelming public response, the administration has chosen to move forward with a rule that threatens access to essential health care for transgender youth.

“Gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based health care, and the major medical and mental health organizations in this country have been clear about that. This rule ignores the science and puts politics between transgender young people, their families, and the medical professionals who know them and care for them. Families should not have to live in fear that their child’s health care can be taken away because of who they are.”

— Kathie Moehlig (she/her), Executive Director, TransFamily Support Services 

Today’s rule is part of what we view as an ongoing effort by this federal administration to restrict the rights and access to care of transgender youth. While this announcement creates uncertainty and fear for many families who rely on Medicaid and CHIP, it is important to remember that this is not the end of care for transgender youth. The implementation and impact of this rule will continue to unfold, and legal, state, medical, and advocacy communities are actively evaluating next steps to protect access to medically necessary care.

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, resources, and next steps as they become available.