The U.S. government is set to impose significant new rules regarding medical care for transgender youth. These changes aim to restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare services for minors across the country.
New Hospital Rules on Gender-Affirming Care
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to announce these restrictions in a press conference scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Department of Health and Human Services. Key figures such as Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Dr. Marty Makary from the Food and Drug Administration will also be present.
Key Components of the New Rules
- The first rule will prevent hospitals and doctors from receiving federal funding for treating transgender patients under 18.
- The second rule will block Medicaid and Medicare funds for any hospitals offering pediatric gender-affirming care.
Medicaid primarily serves low-income individuals, while Medicare covers seniors and certain disabled individuals. Given that most hospitals depend on Medicare, these restrictions could drastically limit access to care for transgender youth.
Legislative Context
This update comes shortly after the House of Representatives passed a series of healthcare-related bills. One notable bill proposed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) criminalizes the provision of gender-affirming care to minors, with penalties reaching up to 10 years in prison.
Another bill by Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) seeks to prohibit Medicaid reimbursement for gender-affirming services for youth. Both bills require Senate approval to be enacted.
Impact on Transgender Youth
Supporters and opponents of transgender rights concur that these new hospital rules could severely limit access to gender-affirming care for minors nationwide. Currently, 27 states have already enacted bans on such healthcare services.
The proposed regulations will undergo a public comment period before being finalized and will not be implemented immediately. Updates will follow the official announcements later today.
