Alongside 18 other LGBTQ+ and allied organizations, we sent a letter to Governor Mikie Sherrill with a critical ask: continue funding medical treatment for transgender New Jerseyans under the age of 19 who rely on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program for lifesaving treatment.
The Trump administration’s final rule ending federal funding for this care went into effect on October 13. As of that date, trans youth under 19 on Medicaid and CHIP became ineligible for the coverage upon which they rely. However, the governors of four states — Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Mexico, and California — took proactive steps to mitigate the fallout from this cruel and unnecessary decision. We call on Gov. Sherrill to take similar executive action to fund care for our most vulnerable young people.
Though the number of affected New Jerseyans is small, the impact would be immeasurable. By joining other pro-equality states in funding critical and medically-necessary healthcare, New Jersey can continue our outstanding track record of being a safe, inclusive, and more just state.
Lauren Albrecht, Senior Director, Advocacy and Organizing, Garden State Equality
“By funding medically-necessary care for transgender New Jerseyans, Governor Sherrill will offer immense relief, peace and safety for these patients and their families, during a period in which trans people are targeted and dehumanized daily by the Trump administration. We cannot sit on the sidelines. New Jersey has long been a leader in protecting LGBTQ+ safety and rights – this is the next frontier of our ongoing battle for equality. We appreciate Governor Sherrill’s advocacy and allyship and are confident a solution can be reached to protect our vulnerable communities.”
Martha Madrigal, Co-founder, TransFormation Collective; Vice President, PFLAG Collingswood
“As the Trump administration attempts to further marginalize young trans people, we implore our State to continue to be a beacon of sanity for our nation. We need Governor Sherrill to again stand with our community and our providers as this Republican-led federal government abandons us yet again.
What we ask for isn’t radical. We’re entirely aligned with every major medical association in this nation. We need our elected leaders to Lead. Please rise above the ugly noise the right continues to offer in place of reason or sound policy. The cost to the budget is negligible. The positive impact is incalculable.”
The Center in Asbury Park
“At The Center in Asbury Park, we believe that healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of gender identity or ability to pay. Our young people deserve support, not barriers to care, and our state must stand firmly on the side of health equity, inclusion, and the well-being of every individual.”
Transgender Rights Coalition of NJ (TRC-NJ)
“The Trump administration’s recent ban on CHIP and Medicaid funding for trans youth weaponizes poverty against transgender children, forcing families to choose between financial stability or their loved one’s well-being. As of October 13th, young people are being forced to discontinue medically necessary treatment despite their doctors’ recommendations and without any change in their medical needs. This is unacceptable. No child should be forced to medically detransition because of their family’s income. Other states are stepping forward to protect these children, and New Jersey must do the same. Our leaders have a choice to make. They can act to protect children whose only need is to continue the care their doctors have prescribed, or they can allow the federal government’s cruelty to determine their futures. Governor Sherrill, these children are counting on you. They cannot afford to wait. We urge you to act immediately to maintain Medicaid and CHIP coverage.”
Louise Walpin and Rosalie Wong, Co-Leads, WADEIn NJ
“New Jersey’s shield laws are important, but cannot protect care that families can no longer afford. By weaponizing Medicaid and CHIP funding, the Trump administration is putting medically necessary care out of reach for vulnerable young people and threatening their well-being. Governor Sherrill, please act immediately to establish a state-funded program ensuring young people in NJ can continue receiving medically necessary gender-affirming care. Other blue states are stepping up, and New Jersey must do the same. Don’t let Trump decide which children deserve healthcare”
The organizations that sent the letter are:
North Jersey Community Research Initiative
Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey
TransFormation Collective
Transgender Rights Coalition of New Jersey
WADEIn New Jersey