The Trump administration has announced plans to remove gender-affirming care from the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program starting in 2026. This decision will impact more than 8 million people, including federal employees, retirees, and their family members, significantly reducing access to necessary medical care for transgender individuals and undermining their dignity and rights.
The proposed restrictions would eliminate coverage for treatments such as hormone therapies and gender-affirming surgeries for all eligible individuals, regardless of age. While mental health counseling for gender dysphoria would remain available, and an exceptions process would be in place for those already receiving care, these measures are inconsistent and unreliable, raising concerns about continuity of treatment.
Civil rights groups have strongly opposed the decision. Lambda Legal condemned the move as unlawful and discriminatory under federal health plan regulations. Human Rights Watch and other organizations have highlighted how restrictions on gender-affirming care cause severe harm, including deteriorating mental health and treatment disruptions. Removing coverage would force many to pay out of pocket or forego necessary care, further limiting access and violating rights to health, nondiscrimination, and personal autonomy.
This policy shift is part of a broader pattern of actions by the Trump administration aimed at curtailing transgender rights. Since January 2025, the administration has issued measures rejecting transgender identity in law and policy, attempted to ban youth access to gender-affirming care, and labeled such care as child abuse. It has also subpoenaed hospitals providing these services, leading some clinics to scale back or halt care, particularly for young people.
Advocates stress that the administration should reverse course and guarantee that all individuals under the FEHB program have access to comprehensive, nondiscriminatory health coverage, ensuring equal treatment and respect for transgender people’s healthcare needs.
Related Posts
