1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives, on a vote of 215-201, passed HR 498, a bill that, if passed into law, would eliminate Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care for transgender young people, placing essential healthcare even further out of reach for families who need it most. The bill is now eligible to be taken up by the U.S. Senate. Brian K. Bond (he/him), CEO of PFLAG National—the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for and with LGBTQ+ people and those who love them—responded to the vote: “The passage of HR 498 is a devastating blow to transgender young people and their families who rely on Medicaid to access essential healthcare. By eliminating coverage for medically necessary care, this legislation deliberately puts such treatment further out of reach for those who need it most. It sends a clear message that the health and well-being of transgender youth are negotiable, while families are left with fewer options and more fear.