The Trump administration has finalised a rule that will end federal funding for gender-affirming care provided through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (Chip). The rule was finalised on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.
Opponents argue that the policy will make it more difficult for vulnerable children to access healthcare. Ma’ayan Anafi, senior counsel for health equity and justice at the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), stated that approximately 90% of the nearly 35,000 comments received on the proposed change opposed it.
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) referenced international reviews of medical evidence, including the Cass Review in the United Kingdom, in a press release. However, the NWLC and other opponents have criticised the administration for not including more recent reports that support the safety and effectiveness of gender-affirming care.
The rule is scheduled to take effect on 13 October 2026. However, legal challenges could potentially delay or block its implementation entirely.