On April 11, CMS instructed state Medicaid agencies to not cover hormone therapies or gender-affirming surgery for children.
In a letter to state agencies, CMS said medical interventions for gender dysphoria, such as puberty blockers, “lack reliable evidence of long-term benefits for minors” and can cause harm.
Several organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, endorse treating gender dysphoria and have opposed insurance exclusions for gender-affirming care. At least 10 state governments are considering bills that seek to prohibit Medicaid coverage of gender-affirming care for adults and minors, The Hill reported April 11.
