The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a Republican-led budget reconciliation package termed the "Big Beautiful Bill," which poses a significant threat to gender-affirming care for transgender individuals. The legislation, approved by a narrow margin, couples tax cuts for the wealthy with changes to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Notably, it aims to eliminate coverage for gender-affirming services, such as puberty blockers and surgeries, impacting both Medicaid recipients and those with private insurance. Experts warn that this measure disproportionately targets marginalized communities.
At the heart of the bill are two key provisions targeting transgender health care. The first prohibits Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program from covering any gender-affirming services.
Katie Keith, a scholar and director of the Center for Health Policy and the Law, stated the bill would increase health care costs for transgender people across Medicaid and marketplace coverage.
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