US bars federal funding of gender-affirming care for low-income minors

August 12, 2026 - 08:42

WASHINGTON - The Trump administration has made final a policy that stops two major federal health programs from paying for puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or surgical procedures related to gender transition for minors. The rule, completed on Tuesday, applies to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP. These programs cover medical care for low-income families.

The decision follows a draft proposal from earlier this year. Under the final rule, states can no longer use federal dollars from these programs to support such treatments for anyone under the age of 19. The move is part of a broader push by the administration to restrict gender-affirming care, which it argues lacks sufficient evidence for young people. Supporters of the rule say parents and doctors need more caution. Opponents, including medical groups and civil rights organizations, have condemned the policy. They argue it interferes with doctor-patient decisions and will harm vulnerable youth who rely on public insurance. Several lawsuits have already been filed to challenge the rule. The administration has stated that states remain free to cover other types of pediatric care. The rule is set to take effect in the coming weeks, though legal battles may delay its enforcement.