Families Challenge Trump’s Ban on Trans Youth Healthcare

Four families from New Hampshire have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, aiming to prevent the implementation of a rule that stops federal Medicaid funds from being used for gender-affirming healthcare for minors. The families, supported by GLAD Law, the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, and the ACLU of New Hampshire, argue that the rule breaches existing Medicaid statutes and goes beyond the administration’s powers. Without intervention, this rule is set to take effect on October 13.

In August, the administration finalized a rule that prohibits Medicaid from funding what is termed as “sex-rejecting procedures” for children under 18. It also prevents the Children’s Health Insurance Plan from covering these procedures for individuals under 19.

“These families made medical decisions with their doctors, based on careful assessment of their children’s individual medical needs. On October 13, the Trump administration wants to pull the funding for their care mid-treatment, with no plan for what happens to them. We’re asking the court to act quickly so these families don’t lose the medical care that has enabled their kids to thrive,” said Chris Erchull, senior staff attorney for GLAD.

The complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for New Hampshire contends the final rule comes from a “political directive” rather than “reasoned deliberation.” It highlights that funding for pharmaceutical and surgical interventions remains unchanged for non-gender dysphoria diagnoses, despite the treatments being identical.

The lawsuit stresses that without court intervention, transgender youths relying on Medicaid and CHIP could lose access to necessary treatments recognized as safe and effective by major medical associations in the U.S. Currently, those receiving cross-sex hormone therapy can continue claiming benefits for six months post the rule’s effective date. The plaintiffs seek a declaration that the rule is unlawful and a bar on its implementation.

Welcome to The Hill’s Healthcare newsletter, led by Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi. Each week, we monitor how Washington’s actions impact your health.

Essential Reads

Here’s how policy changes may affect the healthcare sector this week and beyond:

• Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is urging the Trump administration to finalize regulations limiting the sale of kratom, noting its opioid-like properties. He emphasizes that kratom poses a deadly risk and calls for urgent regulatory action.
• Four GOP senators are asking the Justice Department to investigate the influence of Chinese criminal networks in the U.S. cannabis market. They suspect these networks exploit weaknesses in federal law to run illegal drug operations.
• Attorneys general from anti-abortion states have requested the U.S. Supreme Court rule against abortion shield laws in three Democratic-led states. The laws protect healthcare providers who mail medication for abortion purposes.

Other News

The White House has begun distributing $500 refund checks to nearly one million Americans, citing overcharges for ObamaCare insurance. The Treasury Department is managing the refunds, which impact over 950,000 individuals across 30 states.

Around the Nation

• Washington state residents face Medicaid coverage losses as federal cuts are enforced (KING 5 News).
• Health insurers and doctors have filed lawsuits against Gavin Newsom concerning health insurance premium hikes (CalMatters).
• Montana has started implementing Medicaid work requirements, leaving many patients uncertain (NPR).

What We’re Reading

• The midterm elections have rekindled discussions on universal healthcare, with some states taking the lead (KFF Health News).
• The NIH has completed its grant funding, but delayed decisions have frustrated researchers (Stat).
• A Senate-approved bill may reduce the cost of wheelchair upgrades for seniors (Roll Call).