AN ACT relating to Medicaid.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julie Adams

The bill would prohibit Kentucky Medicaid funds from covering cross-sex hormones for gender dysphoria and gender reassignment surgeries.

to Committee on Committees (S)

#medicaid #technicalcorrections

Summary of SB 283 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose andIntent

The bill is titled AN ACT relating to Medicaid and appears to restrict certain Medicaid expenditures in Kentucky. It is framed as a policy change to the Department for Medicaid Services and contracted managed care organizations.

Key Provisions

Section 1 amends KRS 205.5365 (the statute governing Medicaid expenditures) to prohibit Medicaid funds from being expended on: 1) Cross-sex hormones when prescribed or administered primarily or solely for the treatment of gender dysphoria. 2) Gender reassignment surgery intended to alter or remove physical or anatomical characteristics or features that are typical for and characteristic of a person’s biological sex.

The prohibition applies notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, and is in effect unless federal law requires otherwise. In other words, the restriction can be overridden only if federal law mandates coverage.

Who/What Is Affected

Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services (the state agency administering Medicaid).

Medicaid managed care organizations under contract with the state to deliver Medicaid services.

Enrollees seeking medical treatments involving:

Cross-sex hormone therapies prescribed for gender dysphoria.
Gender reassignment surgeries.

Implications and Potential Impact

Coverage denial for specific gender-affirming care within Medicaid, potentially affecting transgender and non-binary individuals seeking these treatments.

Administrative footprint for managed care organizations and the state to ensure compliance with the new prohibition, including monitoring and claims processing adjustments.

Legal risk or conflict with federal Medicaid requirements could arise if federal law requires coverage of these services; the bill explicitly notes it operates “unless required under federal law.”

Possible broader policy and health outcome implications related to access to gender-affirming care for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

The bill was introduced in the Kentucky Senate on February 27, 2026.

It was referred to the Committee on Committees (the initial step in the legislative process).

No further timetable details are provided in the text excerpt; passage would require committee consideration, floor votes in both chambers, and enrollment by the governor.

Notes

The text provided is labeled as an unofficial copy and reflects the bill’s stated changes to KRS 205.5365 as of the 26 RS BR 2401 draft.

If enacted, the provisions would become effective in Kentucky’s Medicaid program, subject to any applicable federal preemption or requirements.