CMS Finalizes Rule Restricting Federal Funding for Youth Gender-Affirming Care

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized a rule prohibiting federal Medicaid and CHIP funding for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries for transgender minors. Effective October 13, 2026, this impacts approximately 17 state Medicaid programs, with CMS citing an HHS evidence review on risk-benefit profiles. A six-month tapering period is allowed for current beneficiaries.