The Trump administration finalized rule changes on Tuesday that ban the use of Medicaid and other federal funds for gender identity healthcare for youth. Under these changes, Medicaid will no longer pay for gender-affirming hormones or surgeries for transgender minors.
Federal dollars in two health insurance programs will not go toward gender-affirming care, although states may still choose to cover the treatments. This move represents an escalation of the administration's crackdown on transgender medical care ahead of the midterm elections.
Advocates have responded to the decision by claiming that the Trump administration is holding vital healthcare funding hostage in its latest anti-trans maneuver.