Republicans Eye $1.4 Billion in Medicaid Cuts

A senior legislative aide recently informed The Daily Signal that Republicans might save around $1.4 billion by eliminating Medicaid coverage for gender transition procedures for children.

During a markup session on Tuesday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee reviewed a budget reconciliation that includes a measure from Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Texas. This measure aims to prevent federal funds from going towards sex-change procedures for minors, which includes hormone replacement therapy and irreversible surgeries.

According to an unofficial estimate shared by the aide, this provision could generate savings totaling approximately $1.4 billion over the next decade.

White House spokesman Kush Desai emphasized President Trump’s commitment to scientific integrity in healthcare, referencing an evidence-based review of gender transition interventions commissioned by the Department of Health and Human Services. “This review highlighted significant risks associated with these procedures,” Desai stated. “This is an example of how science informs sensible policymaking.”

Last month, a budget resolution directed the committee to cut $880 billion in spending overall.

If the current budget bill passes through both the House and Senate, funding under Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program would be prohibited from covering gender transition services for minors.

Interestingly, the current measure does not address Medicaid funding for adult gender-transition procedures. Some conservatives view this amendment as a starting point for future legislative efforts, according to the aide. They believe it serves as a foundation for reducing taxpayer funding for children’s gender transitions.

However, critics of this provision express concerns that young individuals aged 18 to 20 may still obtain state-funded transition services. They argue that gender clinics might simply advise these young people to wait until they turn 18 to start hormone treatments, allowing them to access funding.

The financial implications of transgender interventions can exceed $75,000, according to the Human Rights Campaign, an organization advocating for gender-inclusive healthcare policies.

Public sentiment generally leans against taxpayer funding for transgender medical services. A poll from the American Principles Project revealed that 66% of Americans oppose funding gender-transition procedures. Additionally, a recent Associated Press survey found that 53% are against taxpayer funding for what they refer to as “gender-affirming care,” including puberty blockers and hormone therapy.

Crenshaw remarked on X that he takes pride in introducing the Do No Harm in Medicaid Act, noting that no Democratic representatives attempted to remove it. “Perhaps the Left has finally recognized common sense. More likely? They were afraid to challenge it, realizing they may have taken things too far,” he suggested. “Whatever the case, we’re prioritizing children’s welfare and adhering to a fundamental medical principle: Do no harm.”

Crenshaw expressed confidence that his provision will successfully navigate through both the House and Senate. In a video on X, he stated, “I believe it will pass. President Trump is likely to sign it into law. He has previously taken executive action, but this needs to be formalized for it to be effective. This is a significant victory for protecting these kids; the science is evident.”

The Congressional Budget Office has yet to reply to a request for comment from The Daily Signal.