Bills/H.R. 498

Do No Harm in Medicaid Act

Do No Harm in Medicaid Act

Passed HouseHealthcareHouseHouse Bill · 119th Congress
Bill Progress · House
Introduced
Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Passed Both
Signed

Plain Language Summary

# Do No Harm in Medicaid Act - Summary **What the Bill Does:** The bill would prohibit the federal government from paying for gender transition procedures for minors (people under 18) through Medicaid, the health insurance program for low-income individuals. It defines these procedures as medical treatments intended to change someone's body to match a different gender identity, including certain surgeries, implants, and hormone medications. The bill does allow exceptions for procedures that treat early puberty, genetic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, reverse previous gender transition procedures, or prevent serious harm or death—provided a parent or legal guardian consents. **Who It Affects:** This primarily affects minors from low-income families who rely on Medicaid for healthcare coverage and whose doctors might otherwise recommend gender transition treatments.

It also affects healthcare providers, Medicaid administrators, and states that administer Medicaid programs. **Current Status:** The bill has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is pending action in the Senate. It is a partisan measure, with Republican support and Democratic opposition, reflecting broader disagreement over medical treatment policies for transgender youth.

CRS Official Summary

Do No Harm in Medicaid ActThis bill prohibits federal Medicaid payment for specified gender transition procedures for individuals under the age of 18. The bill defines these procedures to mean those that are intended to change the body of an individual to no longer correspond to the individual's biological sex (male or female), including specified surgeries, implants, and medications (e.g., hormones).The bill excludes procedures that are provided to an individual under the age of 18 with the consent of a parent or legal guardian and that are intended to (1) rectify early puberty, genetic disorders, or chromosomal abnormalities; (2) reverse prior gender transition procedures; or (3) prevent imminent death or impairment of a major bodily function.

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Latest Action

December 18, 2025

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Subjects

Child healthHealth programs administration and fundingMedicaidPrescription drugsSex, gender, sexual orientation discriminationSurgery and anesthesia

Sponsor

6 cosponsors

Key Dates

Introduced
January 16, 2025
Last Updated
December 18, 2025
Read Full Text on Congress.gov →
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