What's Happening?
Congressional lawmakers have decided not to proceed with a plan to prevent insurers in the federal government's health care program from covering gender-affirming care for federal employees and their families. Initially, the House's draft of the fiscal
2026 Financial Services and General Government appropriations package included a provision to bar federal funds from being used for gender-affirming surgeries, puberty blockers, or hormone therapy under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). However, the latest version of the bill, negotiated with Senate appropriators, has removed this language, effectively not prohibiting gender-affirming care for FEHBP participants. Despite this legislative change, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) had already instructed insurance carriers to stop covering these treatments, a directive that remains in effect.
Why It's Important?
The decision not to codify the ban on gender-affirming care is significant as it reflects ongoing debates about healthcare rights and coverage for transgender individuals within federal employment. While the legislative reversal suggests a shift in congressional priorities, the practical impact is limited due to OPM's existing policy, which continues to restrict access to gender-affirming treatments. This situation highlights the complex interplay between legislative actions and administrative policies, affecting the healthcare options available to federal employees. The outcome of this decision could influence future discussions on healthcare rights and the extent of coverage provided under federal health programs.
What's Next?
The removal of the ban from the appropriations bill does not automatically restore access to gender-affirming care for federal employees, as OPM's directive remains in place. Future actions may involve advocacy from civil rights groups and potential legal challenges to OPM's policy. Additionally, there may be further legislative efforts to address or reverse the restrictions imposed by OPM. Stakeholders, including federal employees and LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, will likely continue to monitor developments and push for policy changes that ensure comprehensive healthcare coverage.
