Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
4w ago

Trump Administration Proposes Ending ACA Coverage for Gender-Affirming Care

The proposed rule change, now open for public comment, could affect up to 270,000 transgender individuals and faces likely legal challenges before potential implementation in 2026.

Image
Transgender rights activist waves a transgender flag at a rally in New York City on May 24, 2019.

Overview

  • The Trump administration has introduced a proposed rule to remove gender-affirming care as an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
  • If implemented, insurers would no longer be required to cover treatments like hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and surgeries, potentially increasing costs for individuals and states.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that up to 270,000 transgender individuals currently relying on ACA plans could lose coverage for gender-affirming care.
  • The rule change, which builds on prior executive actions restricting transgender healthcare, has received limited public engagement, with only 5,400 comments submitted so far.
  • Legal challenges are anticipated, and the rule, if approved, would go into effect in 2026, marking a significant shift in federal policy since gender-affirming care was first mandated as an essential benefit in 2016.