A group of four families in New Hampshire is taking legal action against the Trump administration. They are challenging a rule that would prevent federal Medicaid dollars from funding gender-affirming health care for minors. Represented by the LGBTQ rights organizations, including GLAD Law, the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, and the ACLU of New Hampshire, these families argue that the law violates Medicaid statutes and exceeds the administration’s power.
The rule is set to start on October 13. It bans Medicaid from paying for what the administration calls “sex-rejecting procedures” for children under 18. Similarly, it impacts the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), which covers such procedures for individuals under 19. Chris Erchull, a senior staff attorney at GLAD, noted that medical decisions were made with healthcare professionals based on the children’s needs. He stated the administration plans to cut funding in the middle of treatment, leaving families without a plan. The court is being asked for swift action to maintain the medical care that supports these children’s well-being.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for New Hampshire, asserts that the final rule resulted from political influence rather than careful deliberation. It points out the inconsistency in continuing to fund treatments for other diagnoses while denying those for gender dysphoria. The complaint highlights that the treatments are recognized by major medical associations as safe and effective when properly prescribed. Currently, those receiving cross-sex hormone therapy through Medicaid can access benefits for six months after the rule takes effect. The plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that the rule is unlawful and a halt to its enforcement.
In related news, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has urged the administration to finalize a rule limiting the sale of kratom. He describes the plant as dangerous and argues against its sale at common retail locations. Additionally, four GOP senators demand a Justice Department inquiry into Chinese criminal networks’ role in the cannabis and hemp markets. Furthermore, attorneys general in anti-abortion states have directly approached the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging abortion shield laws in Democratic-led states, viewing them as conflicting with existing restrictions.
Elsewhere, the White House has begun distributing $500 refund checks to individuals overcharged for Obamacare insurance. These are reaching nearly one million Americans across multiple states. At the state level, reductions in Washington’s Medicaid coverage will affect thousands, while doctors and insurers in California are contesting health insurance premium hikes. In Montana, new Medicaid work requirements are creating confusion among patients.