10/15/2026
Important Update: Gender-Affirming Care Coverage in Pennsylvania
We want to share an important update for our LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender and gender-diverse young people, their families, and the people who love and support them.
On October 13, 2026, a new federal rule took effect restricting federal Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding for certain gender-affirming medical treatments for young people. The rule applies to people under 18 covered by Medicaid and people under 19 covered by CHIP.
What does this mean for Pennsylvanians?
According to information shared by the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of LGBTQIA Affairs:
• Existing hormone therapy coverage: Young people receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy as of October 12, 2026, may remain covered through April 13, 2027, under the transition provisions.
• Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (Medicaid): Pennsylvania has indicated that it will maintain coverage for gender-affirming medication care for Medical Assistance recipients, so those individuals will not see a change in their coverage under the state’s current approach.
• CHIP coverage: Pennsylvania cannot provide state-only coverage for CHIP recipients under current state law. Families should seek updated guidance from Pennsylvania DHS about how this change may affect their coverage.
• Other healthcare services: The federal rule does not eliminate federal funding for other services, including office visits, laboratory tests, and mental health services.
This is a developing situation, and families should seek individualized guidance from their healthcare providers and insurance plans before making decisions about care. Please do not assume that every service or every person's coverage will be affected in the same way.
Where can you find more information and support?
📌 Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs.html
📌 American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania: Trans Justice and transgender rights resources
https://www.aclupa.org/campaigns-initiatives/trans-justice/
📌 Official federal rule and its details
https://www.hhs.gov/guidance/document/final-rule-prohibition-federal-medicaid-and-chip-funding-sex-rejecting-procedures
📌 Pennsylvania Medical Assistance information and assistance
Call the Consumer Service Center for Health Care Coverage at 1-866-550-4355.
At Tioga County Pride, we believe that transgender and gender-diverse people deserve dignity, compassion, and access to the support they need. We recognize that policy changes like this can create uncertainty and anxiety for young people and their families.
You are not alone. We encourage everyone to share verified information, support one another, and approach these conversations with kindness rather than fear or judgment.
Pride is about showing up for our community, especially when people are facing uncertainty. We will continue to share reliable information as it becomes available.
🏳️⚧️ We see you. We support you. You belong here.
