By John Ingold | The Colorado Sun
The new rule blocks federal dollars from being spent on the care. The change will affect hundreds of transgender youth in Colorado.
Colorado will suspend Medicaid coverage for hormone therapy and other gender-affirming care for transgender youth due to a new federal rule, the state agency that oversees the program said.
The rule, finalized earlier this month, blocks federal funds from being used to pay for the care for youth. Specifically, the rule applies to coverage for people under 18 who are covered by Medicaid and people under 19 who are covered by a companion program called CHIP, which in Colorado is known as CHP+.
The rule affects coverage for hormone therapy and puberty blockers, as well as other procedures. It does not, however, apply to behavioral healthcare.
Colorado’s coverage suspension will begin Oct. 13 to match when the federal rule takes effect. Under the federal rule, patients taking hormones will continue to have coverage for a six-month-long tapering period.
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