The Trump administration announced it will stop using Medicaid funds for gender transition surgeries in minors. President Donald Trump revealed this on Tuesday.
Trump posted on Truth Social that he instructed Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), to cease the use of Medicaid for these procedures. Trump labeled these surgeries as harmful and irreversible for minors.
According to CMS, the new rule will prevent Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from funding gender-affirming treatments for children. These include puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries. Potential irreversible effects like infertility and altered brain development are highlighted by CMS. Dr. Oz emphasized the decision aims to protect children while saving taxpayer money. The rule becomes effective on October 13. Mental health services remain unaffected.
This CMS move follows a Department of Health and Human Services review, which noted safety concerns and insufficient evidence for such interventions in minors. Presently, 27 states have similar restrictions according to KKF, a health policy group. The topic has seen political debate, with Republicans enacting laws limiting these procedures and Democrats opposing such measures.
Trump mentioned that several hospitals have stopped offering gender-affirming care. He urged voters to consider the Democratic stance on this issue in upcoming elections.
This story is developing. More updates may follow.
Leave a Reply