Feds Eye Ban on Medicaid Funding for Kids' Gender Transitions
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Starting soon, Medicaid and CHIP won’t pay for sex-rejecting procedures for kids under 18 (Medicaid) and under 19 (CHIP). This means states can’t use federal money for these treatments for minors anymore. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by February 17, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Federal Medicaid Funding Blocked for Under‑18s
If you or your child get Medicaid, federal Medicaid dollars could no longer pay for sex-rejecting procedures for anyone under age 18. The proposed rule would require State Medicaid plans to state that the Medicaid agency will not make payment under the plan for sex-rejecting procedures for individuals under 18.
Federal CHIP Funding Blocked for Under‑19s
If your child is covered by a separate CHIP plan, federal CHIP dollars could no longer pay for sex-rejecting procedures for anyone under age 19. The proposed rule would require separate State CHIP plans to state that the CHIP agency will not make payment under the plan for sex-rejecting procedures for individuals under 19.
States May Still Use State‑Only Funds
The proposed rule says States would still be able to provide sex-rejecting procedures using State-only funds outside of the Federally-matched Medicaid program or CHIP. That means a State could choose to pay for these services without using federal Medicaid or CHIP dollars.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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