Washington Maintains Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
The state is now using local funds to cover care for minors after a federal ban on using federal dollars for these services.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in COVID-19
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The Washington State Health Care Authority continues to cover gender-affirming care for minors using state-only funds following a federal funding ban. As of October 13, 2026, the agency shifted payment for these services from managed care organizations to a fee-for-service model.
Why it matters
This change ensures ongoing access to care for Washington minors by decoupling these specific services from federal funding sources. By modifying its billing structure, the state maintains existing coverage levels while complying with the federal restriction on the use of federal dollars.
The Washington State Health Care Authority is now processing gender-affirming care claims for minors aged 18 and younger through a fee-for-service model. This adjustment follows the October 13, 2026, federal ban on using federal funding for these specific services.
The players
Washington State Health Care Authority
The state agency responsible for overseeing Medicaid and state-funded health insurance programs for Washington residents.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
The federal agency that administers healthcare programs and establishes national funding regulations.
The details
To comply with the federal rule, the Health Care Authority stopped seeking federal reimbursement for gender-affirming drugs and procedures provided to minors. Providers must now submit these claims directly to the state through the ProviderOne portal rather than billing through managed care organizations. This shift allows the state to utilize state-only funding to maintain services that are no longer eligible for federal support.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: The federal ban on funding gender-affirming services for minors took effect.
October 13, 2026: The Health Care Authority implemented its new fee-for-service payment process.
Health Landscape
This transition highlights how state-level health systems are navigating federal funding restrictions to maintain current standards of care. It reflects an ongoing effort to align regional insurance policies with evolving federal mandates while protecting access for specific patient populations.
Families with minors receiving gender-affirming care should confirm that their healthcare providers are submitting claims through the ProviderOne portal. Patients with questions about how these billing changes affect their coverage or access to specific services should consult with their physician or the Health Care Authority.
The takeaway
Washington has established a state-only funding pathway to continue supporting gender-affirming services for minors despite new federal limitations. Families should keep in contact with their healthcare provider to ensure that billing requirements remain up to date under the new fee-for-service process.
Further reading
For broader information on health access in the state, visit COVID-19.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lynnwood Times.
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