Prohibition of Medicaid Funding for Conversion Therapy Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 27, 2025
Bottom line
The bill prevents Medicaid funds from being used to pay for conversion therapy, aligning federal healthcare policy with major medical organizations' stances against the practice.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Social Security Act to prohibit federal Medicaid payments for conversion therapy, defined as any monetarily compensated practice seeking to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. It explicitly excludes practices that assist gender transition or provide supportive, identity-affirming counseling. The prohibition would take effect on the first day of the first quarter after the bill's enactment.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that conversion therapy is a harmful and ineffective practice, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, and that public funds should not be used to support it. They contend that prohibiting Medicaid payments for such services protects vulnerable individuals and aligns federal policy with scientific consensus that sexual orientation and gender identity are not mental illnesses to be 'cured'.
Opponents contend
Critics, if any, might argue that this bill could be seen as an overreach into individual healthcare choices or parental rights, or that it restricts access to certain types of counseling, even if controversial. However, organized opposition specifically to prohibiting Medicaid funding for conversion therapy is not widely documented given the broad medical consensus against the practice.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for a quick read and understanding of its core purpose.
Section 2(a), amending 42 U.S.C. 1396a
Prohibition of Medicaid Payments for Conversion Therapy
This provision adds a new requirement to state Medicaid plans, mandating that they cannot make payments for conversion therapy. This means that once the bill becomes law, states participating in Medicaid will be federally prohibited from using Medicaid funds to cover any services defined as conversion therapy, effective from the first quarter following enactment.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is essential to prevent federal funds from being used for practices widely condemned by medical and psychological associations as harmful and unethical. It ensures that Medicaid, a program designed to provide healthcare, does not inadvertently support practices that undermine the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision from major medical or political groups, as the consensus against conversion therapy is strong. Any potential critics might frame it as limiting parental or individual choice in seeking certain types of counseling, though this argument is generally not applied to practices deemed harmful by professional bodies.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension is between allowing individuals to seek any form of counseling they desire and the state's interest in protecting vulnerable populations from practices deemed harmful by medical experts. This bill prioritizes the latter by disallowing public funding for such practices.
Section 2(a), adding new subsection (uu) to 42 U.S.C. 1396a
Definitions of Conversion Therapy, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation
This section provides precise definitions for 'conversion therapy,' 'gender identity,' 'person,' and 'sexual orientation' for the purposes of the bill. Crucially, 'conversion therapy' is defined as any monetarily compensated practice seeking to change sexual orientation or gender identity, but it explicitly excludes practices that assist gender transition or provide acceptance, support, and identity exploration without aiming to change core identity.
Section 2(b), amending 42 U.S.C. 1396b(i)
Conforming Amendment for Federal Financial Participation
This provision makes a conforming amendment to the section of the Social Security Act that governs federal financial participation (FFP) in state Medicaid expenditures. It explicitly states that federal matching funds will not be provided for any amounts expended by states for conversion therapy on or after the bill's effective date. This reinforces the prohibition by ensuring states cannot use federal dollars for these services.