Four families in New Hampshire have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. They are challenging a rule that prevents federal Medicaid funds from being used for gender-affirming healthcare for minors. The families, represented by GLAD Law, the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, and the ACLU of New Hampshire, argue that the rule violates Medicaid statutes and exceeds the administration’s authority.
The rule, set to take effect on October 13, stops Medicaid from covering procedures it describes as “sex-rejecting” for children under 18. It also blocks the Children’s Health Insurance Plan from covering similar procedures for those under 19. Chris Erchull, a senior attorney at GLAD, stated, “These families made medical decisions with their doctors, based on thorough evaluation of their children’s needs. The administration wants to halt funding mid-treatment. We are asking the court to prevent families from losing necessary medical care.”
The lawsuit, submitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire, claims that the rule is a political decision without proper consideration. The complaint points out that funding remains for similar treatments for medical diagnoses other than gender dysphoria. It emphasizes that major medical associations in the U.S. recognize these treatments as safe when prescribed appropriately.
The new rule allows beneficiaries on cross-sex hormone therapy to continue benefits for six months after its implementation. Plaintiffs seek to have the rule declared unlawful and prevented from implementation.
This legal action is part of wider healthcare and political developments. For example, Sen. Chuck Grassley urged the Trump administration to finalize a rule limiting kratom sales. Additionally, GOP senators requested an investigation into Chinese involvement in U.S. cannabis markets. In a separate legal battle, attorneys general from anti-abortion states challenged the abortion shield laws in Democratic-led states.
In other news, the White House began distributing $500 ObamaCare refund checks to nearly a million Americans. This move affects over 950,000 people across 30 states. Moreover, local headlines indicate significant changes, such as Medicaid coverage loss in Washington and Montana enforcing Medicaid work requirements.