08/12/2026
New HHS rule issued—and we know it’s scary. Here’s what you need to know: The new HHS rule impacts youth under the age of 18 for Medicaid and 19 for CHIP—it does NOT ban care, but does prohibit federal Medicaid and CHIP funding from being used for medically necessary care for transgender youth. The rule is expected to go into effect mid-October.
Now, here’s what else you need to know: Everyone, regardless of gender identity, deserves the healthcare they need when they need it. Today’s new rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services restricting access to medically necessary care for transgender young people is hurtful and harmful, and our hearts go out to all the families impacted. We will NEVER stop fighting for you and all of our trans loved ones.
We are working to get the best, highly-verified information possible from our legal teams, and we will report back with these details as soon as we have them—be sure to follow us here and check out our Stories as we share more.
If you are needing urgent emotional support—a place to vent, a person to reach out to, a space to commiserate with others impacted:
1) Reach out to your local PFLAG chapter by visiting pflag.org/find.
2) Join our private Facebook group, the PFLAG National Online Community. It’s a safe, moderated space that allows users to post anonymously. To join, visit facebook.com/groups/pflagnational, answer the three simple questions, and agree to the group rules. Please note that we take the privacy of our members seriously, and thoroughly vet all member requests.
Remember: You are not alone. This is a scary and challenging time, but together we will face this moment and every moment to come with unity, courage, hope—and always leading with love.
