CMS Final Rule Prohibits Federal Medicaid and CHIP Funding for Sex-Rejecting Procedures for Children Under 18

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a final rule prohibiting the use of federal Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding for "sex-rejecting procedures" for individuals under 18 years of age. These regulations are effective on October 13, 2026. The rule reflects policy positions on emerging evidence regarding such procedures for youth, with some states having already enacted similar restrictions.