Require Hospitals to Continue Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth

The new HHS rule banning federal Medicaid and CHIP funding for gender-affirming care for youth took effect October 13th, and some hospitals in our state may use it as a pretext to stop providing care entirely — even though the rule does not require them to do so. Pass state-level protections requiring hospitals to continue offering gender-affirming care to trans youth regardless of this federal funding change. More detail on what this rule does and does not mandate is here: https://www.goodqueernews.com/p/whats-happening-with-trans-healthcare This rule is not a ban. It carries no civil or criminal penalties for providers, parents, or patients. Hospitals that stop care are making a political choice, not a legal one. Trans kids and their families deserve a state government that won't let institutions hide behind federal policy to abandon them. Use every tool available — legislation, executive guidance, licensing requirements — to make clear that hospitals in this state are expected to keep these doors open.