Trump Administration Ends Medicaid Funding for Youth Gender-Affirming Care

The Trump administration announced on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, a new federal rule that will end Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program funding for gender-affirming medical care for minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgical procedures. The rule, finalized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is set to take effect after October 13, 2026.

The policy blocks federal reimbursement to healthcare providers for what the administration terms "sex-rejecting procedures" for individuals under 19. It includes a six-month transition period for those already receiving hormone therapy, allowing for a clinically supervised phase-out. An exemption is made for treatments related to intersex conditions or complications from prior procedures. Mental health services for gender dysphoria, such as counseling and psychotherapy, will continue to be covered.

CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz stated the decision is "consistent with the Trump administration's commitment to protect children from experimental and life-altering sex-rejecting procedures that carry serious long-term health risks and lack sufficiently reliable evidence of clinical benefit." He added,...