CMS letter to State Medicaid Directors on gender-affirming care for minors

CMS wrote all State Medicaid Directors flagging "growing utilization" of gender-dysphoria interventions for children, asserting the evidence base is "underdeveloped" and the procedures "are now known to cause long-term and irreparable harm for some children," and reminding states of statutory obligations that Medicaid payments be "consistent with ... quality of care" and beneficiaries' "best interests." The letter pressured states to restrict Medicaid coverage for minors in advance of any rule change.