New Mexico officials announced the state will use its own funds to cover gender-affirming care for minors following a federal decision to end Medicaid and CHIP support for these services.
Key facts
- •A federal rule ending Medicaid and CHIP funding for gender-affirming care takes effect on 13 October.
- •New Mexico's Health Care Authority plans to use state funds to maintain coverage for these services.
- •Approximately 61% of children in New Mexico are insured through Medicaid or CHIP.
- •The Williams Institute estimates 4,800 transgender teens live in New Mexico.
- •New Jersey also recently announced a new shield law to protect access to gender-affirming care.
New Mexico will continue to provide gender-affirming care for minors using state funds after a new federal rule takes effect on 13 October. The Trump administration's rule will end federal Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding for these services. Timothy Fowler, a spokesperson for the state's Health Care Authority, confirmed the state's plan to maintain coverage.
By the numbers
State Healthcare Policy and Funding
New Mexico relies heavily on federal programs, with 41.4% of its total population enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP. According to KFF, 61% of children in the state are insured through these programs. The state previously established the Health Care Affordability Fund in 2021 to support residents when federal protections are absent.
Gender-Affirming Care in New Mexico
The state has become a regional hub for gender-affirming healthcare, which encompasses services such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, counseling, and speech therapy. In 2023, the state legislature passed the Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Freedom Act. The Williams Institute at UCLA estimates that approximately 4,800 transgender teens aged 13 to 17 currently reside in New Mexico.
Timeline
- 2021New Mexico established the Health Care Affordability Fund.
- 2023The state legislature passed the Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Freedom Act.
- 13 AugustThe Trump administration finalized a rule ending Medicaid and CHIP funding for gender-affirming care.
- 13 OctoberThe federal rule ending funding for gender-affirming care is set to go into effect.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Guardian Health.
