Massachusetts Defies Federal Move on Trans Youth Care | Boston News

Massachusetts is poised to fully cover hormone therapy and counseling for transgender youth, even if a federal rule slated for October 2026 cuts off funding for minors under 18. Governor Healey vows to protect access to gender-affirming care, aligning with major medical groups who support these treatments. The state’s Medicaid and CHIP programs will be impacted, with past spending exceeding $3.6 million — mostly on hormones — and the existing $8 million Affirming Health Care Trust Fund may not suffice, especially for puberty blockers. While the federal government allows a six-month grace period for ongoing treatment, mental health coverage remains untouched. Legal battles are expected as advocates brace for the rule’s implementation. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/acedf17a7e4ede0d