Massachusetts healthcare giant ends youth gender care to protect funding

Baystate Health cites federal funding concerns as it halts transgender hormone treatment for minors

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Baystate Health, the largest healthcare system in western Massachusetts, has announced it will no longer prescribe puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones to those under 18. The health system cited concerns about protecting hundreds of millions in federal Medicaid and Medicare funding amid increased scrutiny from the Trump administration over gender-affirming care for minors.

Why it matters

This decision by Baystate Health highlights the growing tensions and regulatory uncertainty around transgender healthcare for young people. As more hospitals and healthcare providers face pressure to limit or end these services, it raises concerns about access to gender-affirming care, especially for low-income patients who rely on Medicaid and Medicare.

The details

Baystate Health said the decision follows an assessment of the "evolving healthcare regulatory landscape" and the need to ensure the system can continue meeting its "clinical obligation" to provide the best care for patients. The health system will now transfer patients in the program to Transhealth, a nonprofit healthcare organization in Massachusetts. Baystate Health says nearly 70% of its patients rely on Medicaid and Medicare, and preserving access to care for all residents is a responsibility it takes seriously.

  • On February 9, 2026, Baystate Health sent a letter to patients and their guardians about the change.
  • In December 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services proposed regulations that would bar hospitals from performing certain gender-affirming procedures on children under 18 as a condition of participating in Medicare and Medicaid.

The players

Baystate Health

The largest healthcare system in western Massachusetts, which has decided to end its transgender hormone treatment program for minors.

Transhealth

A nonprofit healthcare organization in Massachusetts that will now provide care to the patients transferred from Baystate Health's program.

Trump administration

The federal administration that has warned hospitals providing gender-affirming care to minors could risk losing federal funding.

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What they’re saying

“This decision offers patients the specialized expertise and continuity of care they need and deserves and reflects the evolving regulatory landscape that threatens hundreds of millions of dollars in hospital Medicaid and Medicare funding.”

— Baystate Health (Baystate Health statement)

“Given the recent departure of our medical director, coupled with the current regulatory environment, we made the difficult decision to discontinue our Transgender Youth Health Program.”

— NYU Langone Health (NYU Langone Health statement)

What’s next

The Department of Health and Human Services is expected to finalize its proposed regulations barring hospitals from performing certain gender-affirming procedures on children under 18 as a condition of participating in Medicare and Medicaid.

The takeaway

This decision by Baystate Health highlights the growing tensions and regulatory uncertainty around transgender healthcare for young people, as more hospitals face pressure to limit or end these services. It raises concerns about access to gender-affirming care, especially for low-income patients who rely on Medicaid and Medicare.