‘Don't politicize children’s health’: Dr Oz defends CMS funding ban on gender treatments for minors
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz defended a new federal rule that bars Medicaid and CHIP from using federal funds for gender-affirming surgeries, hormone therapies, and puberty blockers for minors. Oz says the administration is 'following the science' and focusing on protecting children from what he describes as permanent and irreversible harm. The rule applies to federal Medicaid and CHIP funding and is scheduled to take effect October 13, 2026.