The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said Tuesday it finalized a rule ending federal Medicaid and CHIP funding for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgical procedures for children and youth.

The rule provides a tapering-off period of up to six months after its Oct. 13 effective date for children currently receiving hormone therapy, CMS said. It does not affect coverage of mental health services.

CMS said the decision follows an HHS review that identified evidence gaps and safety concerns surrounding the procedures. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz said the policy is intended to protect children and safeguard federal healthcare funds.

The rule applies only to federal Medicaid and CHIP funding, CMS said.