March 10, 2026 Governor Morrisey Applauds Victory in Anderson v. Crouch ...

Charleston, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey today applauded a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Anderson v. Crouch, which allows West Virginia to enforce its policy limiting Medicaid coverage for gender transition procedures.

"As the former West Virginia Attorney General who spent years defending common-sense policies that protect women and ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars, I'm grateful the court recognized West Virginia's authority to set reasonable limits on taxpayer-funded healthcare," Governor Morrisey said. "States have a responsibility to manage public programs responsibly, and today's ruling is an important victory for common sense and the taxpayers of West Virginia."

Anderson v. Crouch was originally filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, challenging the state Medicaid program's exclusion of coverage for gender-affirming surgical procedures. The judge found the exclusion to be discriminatory, a decision later affirmed by the Fourth Circuit in 2024.

After the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in United States v. Skrmetti, which clarified the authority of states to establish policies governing certain medical treatments, the Court vacated the earlier decision in Anderson v. Crouch and directed the Fourth Circuit to reconsider the case. Following that review, the Fourth Circuit revisited Anderson v. Crouch and issued today's ruling allowing West Virginia to enforce its Medicaid policy.

The case began during Morrisey's tenure as West Virginia Attorney General and has been closely watched as courts across the country address similar legal challenges.

"Today's ruling makes clear that states have the authority to set reasonable limits within taxpayer-funded healthcare programs," Governor Morrisey said. "That principle matters as we continue defending common-sense laws that guide our country, protect women's sports, and preserve safe spaces."