Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has joined a coalition of 22 states in a lawsuit challenging a Trump administration rule that would prohibit federal Medicaid funding for certain gender-affirming care provided to minors and some young adults.
The rule, finalized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services earlier this month, is scheduled to take effect October 13, 2026. It would prohibit federal reimbursement for gender-affirming care for Medicaid beneficiaries under age 18 and Children’s Health Insurance Program beneficiaries under age 19.
Brown and the coalition argue that Congress has historically given states authority to determine which services their Medicaid and CHIP programs cover, subject to statutory requirements. The lawsuit alleges that HHS and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services lack the authority to categorically exclude the care from federal reimbursement.
“Every young Marylander deserves medical care recommended by their healthcare provider, not dictated by politics,” Brown said. “We are taking action today to defend the health and dignity of transgender youth and the providers who care for them.”
The coalition also argues that the rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act and the Spending Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The states are asking the court to block the federal government from implementing the rule.
Maryland is joined in the lawsuit by attorneys general from 20 other states and the District of Columbia, along with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
