The Washington Report
February 12, 2025
Note to Subscribers
While we do our best to provide timely updates, it is possible that the information shared in the newsletter may change after our publication deadline.
Aon Publications
Executive Order Ends Federal Support for Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
President Trump signed an Executive Order on January 28, 2025, that prohibits federal funding, sponsorship, or assistance for gender-affirming care for individuals under the age of 19. The Executive Order also directs various federal agencies to exclude gender-affirming care for minors from the health insurance coverage provided by those agencies.
The Executive Order does not address coverage of gender-affirming care by employer group health care plans. However, the long-term implications of the Executive Order for group health care plans will depend on adoption and implementation of the regulatory and legislative actions outlined in the Executive Order.
This Aon bulletin addresses:
- The Provisions of the Executive Order
- Potential Implications for Employer Group Health Plan Sponsors
- Next Steps for Employers
The Aon bulletin is available here.
Departments Issue FAQs Addressing Gag Clause Prohibition and No Surprises Act
On January 14, 2025, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury (the Departments) issued Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) guidance for further implementation of the gag clause prohibition and the No Surprises Act as enacted in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The gag clause prohibition guidance reinforces the need for plans to receive certifications from vendors that no “downstream” agreements contain prohibited gag clauses. The No Surprises Act FAQs provide guidance regarding patient payments for nonparticipating providers after recent lawsuits and the Independent Dispute Resolution process and timing.
The Aon bulletin is available here.