Transgender Youth Face New Barriers to Care with Passage of HR 498

WASHINGTON (December 18, 2025)—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives, on a vote of 215-201, passed HR 498, a bill that if passed into law would eliminate Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care for transgender young people, placing essential healthcare even further out of reach for families who need it most. The bill is now eligible to be taken up by the U.S. Senate.

Brian K. Bond (he/him), CEO of PFLAG National—the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for and with LGBTQ+ people and those who love them—responded to the vote:

“The passage of HR 498 is a devastating blow to transgender young people and their families who rely on Medicaid to access essential healthcare. By eliminating coverage for medically necessary care, this legislation deliberately puts such treatment further out of reach for those who need it most. It sends a clear message that the health and well-being of transgender youth are negotiable, while families are left with fewer options and more fear.

PFLAG chapters, members, and supporters sent thousands of messages to their legislators to prevent passage of this bill. While this is not the outcome they hoped for, PFLAG will continue leading on this critical work, and will always have the backs of our trans loved ones.

At a time when healthcare affordability is already out of reach for millions, this bill deepens inequities and endangers lives. PFLAG National, our 360+ chapters, and our 550,000+ members and supporters will continue to fight for policies that ensure every young person can access the care they need to survive and thrive.”