What to Know About New Proposed Federal Attacks on Healthcare for Trans Youth

This is as cruel, discriminatory, and cold-hearted as it gets.

The Trump Administration and its allies in Congress are closing the year out with a horrific barrage of attacks on trans youth’s access to gender affirming care. And we’re here to fight back, with an incredible team of partner organizations across the country. 

• Let’s start with the facts. The Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) published three proposed rules today: One says that hospitals that participate in federal insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare are banned from providing gender-affirming care for trans people under 18. Another says that families insured by Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP cannot use their insurance to cover gender-affirming care. The third rule would remove “gender dysphoria” from the list of federally-recognized disabilities, potentially reducing legal pathways to challenging anti-trans attacks. 

Two extreme anti-transgender bills are also moving through Congress. 

We know this is all very hard. And there are four important things to keep in mind:

Proposed CMS Rules:

1. The CMS rules are proposed rules – the first step in a process where the public will be able to comment and oppose the rules. The comment periods are typically for 60 days. In that time, the rules could be challenged in court or modified.The comment period is expected to open on 12/19 and we will share updates about when you can submit a comment letting policymakers know how harmful these rules would be to transgender youth and their families. 
2. If the rules take effect, they would be very disruptive for gender-affirming care at hospitals nationwide. But to be clear: This would NOT amount to a federal ban on care. There are clinics and providers that will still be able to provide care.
3. The Trans Youth Emergency Project (TYEP) is ready to support families every step of the way in accessing care. We are here to provide updates, family navigation support, and travel grants. Click here to connect with our team.

Congressional Bills:

• A bill that would ban Medicaid coverage for gender affirming care for youth will get a House vote on Thursday afternoon. Please contact your Congressional Rep. ASAP.
• A bill that would ban GAC for youth nationally narrowly passed the House and will move to the Senate after the holidays. It’s vital to contact your Senator.

Our Transgender Youth Emergency Project (TYEP) has been preparing to help transgender youth and their families find the medical care they need if they are impacted by these attacks. And if you donate today, every single dollar will go directly to covering travel grants and patient navigation services for families who need it. Can we count on you to pitch in $100, $50, or anything you can give today?

To transgender youth and their families: You are not alone. Our team has been preparing for this moment and contacting clinics around the country that have committed to remaining open. TYEP will help you every step off the way with logistics and renewable $500 travel grants to ensure you can access the vital care your families need. 

And to the rest of our CSE supporters around the region and nationwide: We need your help more than ever to ensure our TYEP program is equipped to offer families the support they need in this challenging moment.

We need your support to ensure that no trans youth is denied the vital care they need. Your donation to the TYEP will immediately fund travel costs and patient navigation services for trans youth and their families. Give $100 or more now to provide much-needed relief to trans youth and their families.

Moments like this are why we launched the Transgender Youth Emergency Project – because we refuse to let senseless political attacks block trans youth from living their full, authentic lives.

This is a challenge that we are equipped to fight back against together. And every dollar you give today will give another family the resources they need to care for their child.