Montpelier, VT – This morning, the Department of Health & Human Services announced proposed rule changes to Medicare and Medicaid, which seek to eliminate access to medically necessary care for transgender youth. One of these rules, if allowed to go into effect, would prohibit hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds from providing gender-affirming care to patients under 18, while the other would stop the flow of federal Medicaid funds to cover that same care.
The following statement can be attributed to Monica Allard, Staff Attorney, ACLU of Vermont:
“Let’s be clear: it is still legal to provide this necessary health care to trans youth in Vermont. Moreover, Vermont’s responsibility to provide access to affordable health care for all kids does not change based on federal Medicare and Medicaid rules. The Trump administration knows it does not have the power to single-handedly ban gender-affirming care for youth, so it is targeting critical funding instead. With these proposed rules, the Trump administration is trying to threaten health care access for everyone unless providers abandon trans youth. That’s not governance—it’s extortion.
“Importantly, these are still just proposals—not official policy—and they are now subject to a public comment period. Vermonters can and should raise their voices against this administration's latest bullying tactic.
“We’re working with Vermont lawmakers and community stakeholders to develop creative and compassionate solutions that ensure this life-saving care remains available and affordable to all who need it. Our state has taken great strides to ensure that all Vermonters have the freedom to determine their own life course and can access the health care services they need. Trans youth are no exception.
“We have seen hundreds of unlawful federal actions challenged in court, many of which are paused before they take effect and are ultimately struck down. Vermont institutions must continue to heed their obligations under state and federal law. When faced with questionable executive actions like this, Vermonters expect their leaders to resist pre-emptive compliance and respond with solutions aligned with our values and consistent with our rights and liberties.”
Copies of the proposed rules are available at the links below:
Stay Informed
Sign up to be the first to hear about how to take action.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.