Attorney General Kwame Raoul has spoken out against two proposed federal rules from the Trump administration that could limit access to health care for transgender youth. The rules would prevent Medicaid and CHIP reimbursement for transgender patients under 19 years old and block funding to hospitals that provide gender-affirming care to young people.
Raoul criticized the proposals, stating, “Following nearly a year of cruel and relentless attacks on transgender youth and their medical providers, today the Trump administration released its proposal to prohibit Medicaid and federal CHIP reimbursement for transgender patients younger than 19, and block Medicaid and Medicare funding to any hospital that provides medically necessary gender-affirming care to youth. The Trump administration is taking this callous step to deny access to medically necessary health care for transgender youth. These proposed rules, if finalized, would have a devastating impact on the patients who need this health care and the providers who have continued to serve them.”
He clarified that these actions are not yet in effect: “Although the Trump administration’s action is disturbing and harmful, I want to be clear: Today’s announcement is only a proposal. The proposed rules do not change the law and do not end access to medically necessary gender-affirming care or change who is entitled to protection against discrimination on the basis of disability. Patients can continue to seek and safely obtain this comprehensive health care in Illinois. Health care professionals can continue to provide this care to their patients in Illinois.”
Raoul also indicated his office’s readiness to respond: “My office is actively evaluating the proposed rules, and we are prepared to pursue every avenue to prevent the proposed rules from taking effect. I stand with Illinois’ transgender youth and their families, and I stand with the medical providers who have continued to provide essential, quality health care to transgender youth despite the administration’s threats. I will use every legal tool at my disposal to preserve access to medically necessary health care for transgender youth. I remain firmly committed to advocating for the rights of all transgender youth, together with their families and providers, to make decisions about their own health care and to live their lives authentically.”
Over the past year, Raoul’s office has taken several steps opposing federal efforts related to transgender healthcare. This includes co-leading a multistate lawsuit in August challenging attempts by the Trump administration to restrict access for transgender and nonbinary youth. In September, another lawsuit was filed against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding threats of funding cuts tied to reproductive and sexual health education programs that affirm gender identity. The Attorney General’s office has also submitted amicus briefs and comment letters supporting various rights for transgender individuals.
