U.S. blocks federal funds for gender-affirming care for low-income minors
HHS rule change restricts Medicaid and CHIP coverage for transgender youth treatments, citing state-level restrictions.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a policy change prohibiting federal funding for gender-affirming medical care for low-income minors through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
The rule, issued by the HHS Office for Civil Rights, aligns with recent state-level restrictions on such treatments. It applies to procedures including puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries, which are already banned or limited in over 20 states.
HHS stated the policy ensures compliance with state laws and avoids conflicts with existing prohibitions. The change does not affect private insurance or care funded by other federal programs. Advocacy groups criticized the decision, arguing it undermines access to medically necessary care for transgender youth.
The policy takes effect immediately, though its enforcement may face legal challenges. The move reflects broader federal alignment with state-level healthcare restrictions on gender-affirming treatments.
Helena covers corporate news for listed and private companies across Europe, from strategy shifts to leadership changes, with an eye for what a story signals about the broader market.
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