CMS finalizes ban on Medicaid, CHIP funding for gender-affirming care provided to children

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services yesterday released a final rule that prohibits states from receiving federal matching funds for "sex-rejecting procedures" for Medicaid beneficiaries under the age of 18, and for Children's Health Insurance Program beneficiaries in certain states under the age of 19. The final rule does not prevent states from providing coverage for these services with state-only funds. CMS said that federal Medicaid and CHIP funding will be available for a tapering-off period of up to six months from the effective date of the final rule for children currently on hormone therapy. The rule does not impact coverage of certain mental health services for children. The final rule is scheduled to take effect Oct. 13.