House Reconciliation Bill Blocks Federal Funds For Gender-Affirming Care

On Thursday, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed Donald Trump’s much-ballyhooed “One Big Beautiful Bill” reconciliation package by a single vote (215-214) and in doing so stripped transgender Americans of health care. A last-minute amendment by House Republicans changed a previous anti-trans provision so it now cuts off federal Medicaid and Affordable Care Act funding for gender-affirming care for ALL transgender people–no matter their age. Additionally, the legislation would eliminate the requirement for certain health insurers to categorize gender-affirming care as an “essential health benefit,” compelling states that currently mandate such coverage to seek it independently. While plans could still provide coverage for transgender-related care, the removal of the EHB designation may result in higher out-of-pocket expenses for patients.

NEW: Anti-equality lawmakers in the House cut BILLIONS of dollars from Medicaid & food assistance while stripping medically-necessary health care from trans people OF ALL AGES — all to pay for a tax cut for the wealthy.

Tell your Senators to vote NO on this attack on our care: hrc.im/federalcuts [image or embed] — Human Rights Campaign (@hrc.org) May 22, 2025 at 7:19 AM

Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, responded to the bill’s passage with this statement:

“People in this country want policies and solutions that make life better and expand access to the American Dream. Instead, anti-equality lawmakers voted to give handouts to billionaires built on the backs of hardworking people — with devastating consequences for the LGBTQ+ community.

“If the cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP or resources like Planned Parenthood clinics weren’t devastating enough, House Republicans added a last minute provision that expands its attacks on access to best practice health care to transgender adults.

“This cruel addition shows their priorities have never been about lowering costs or expanding health care access–but in targeting people simply for who they are. These lawmakers have abandoned their constituents, and as they head back to their districts, know this: they will hear from us.”

In a social media post, Trump celebrated the House vote but couldn’t resist taking another cheap shot at trans people writing Democrats “are warped in the past, hoping someday to revive…men to be able to play in women’s sports, and transgender for everybody. ”