LGBTQ Health Care Coverage: What You Need to Know
The nature of the modern workplace is shifting as more and more employees demand better benefits. In recent years, we've seen a spike in companies offering their employees same-sex partner benefits, LGBTQ-friendly healthcare plans, and even transgender healthcare coverage. But there's still much to be desired regarding inclusive health plans for the LGBTQ community. Whether you identify as part of this marginalized group or have friends or family members who do, it's essential to understand exactly what your healthcare plan covers when it comes to LGBTQ coverage.
In this article, learn the basics of what LGBTQ coverage in detail and what specific components you should look for in your health plan if you fall under that umbrella.
The disparity in healthcare for LGBTQs
All people needing medical treatment should be allowed to see their doctor without fear of being abused, harassed, or downright denied service. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) aided in addressing this issue by outlawing discrimination by health care providers and insurance companies. LGBTQ individuals are specifically protected from discrimination in health care based on gender identity and sex stereotypes due to various court judgments and an Obama administration rule.
On the other hand, conservatives and the Trump-Pence administration want to make it easier for healthcare providers to discriminate against LGBTQ individuals and women. Discrimination in healthcare settings jeopardizes the lives of LGBTQ persons by delaying or denying medically essential care. For example, after one HIV patient revealed to a hospital that he had intercourse with other men, the hospital staff refused to supply him with HIV treatment.
Another case is a transgender teen hospitalized for suicidal thoughts and self-inflicted injuries, only frequently misgendered by staff and then released too soon. Later, he committed suicide. Discrimination also impacts LGBTQ parents: An infant was turned away from a pediatrician's clinic in Michigan because her parents were of the same gender. Section 1557 provides federal safeguards against LGBTQ discrimination in health care, even though many states, including Michigan, do not have specific statewide legislation barring such discrimination.
Changing doctors is not an option for all LGBTQ individuals
The proliferation of legislation, lawsuits, and administrative rule-making that allow for broad religious exclusions from providing services create another barrier to LGBTQ individuals accessing medical care. Alternatives may not be readily available for those who seek medical care but are turned down by providers. This worry is exacerbated by a lack of medical practitioners in critical treatment areas (such as mental health care) and geographic regions (such as rural communities).
According to data, many LGBTQ people would have difficulty finding an alternate provider if they were turned down by a healthcare provider, such as a hospital, clinic, or pharmacy. The data revealed that, according to 18% of LGBTQ people finding the same level of care at another hospital is next to impossible. Furthermore, the service would not be the same at a different drugstore, according to 8% of LGBTQ people.
There appears to be a disparity in the ease with which LGBTQ people living outside of major cities can reach alternative services, with those living further from home reporting more difficulty in doing so. Nonmetro-LGBTQ people stated it would also be challenging to find the same level of assistance at a different hospital.
Transgender people frequently experience problems
Some persons may seek refuge at LGBTQ community health facilities to avoid harassment. However, they are not generally available throughout the United States, and many do not offer comprehensive treatment. There are no LGBTQ community health facilities in 13 states, mainly in the central United States. In the United States Transgender Survey, about a third of those needing transition-related care reported traveling 25 miles or more to access it.
Available LGBTQ Coverages?
LGBTQ coverage encompasses several factors designed to provide the best care possible for the individual and the partner(s) they choose to have.
- Domestic Partner Benefits - If your company offers domestic partner benefits, employees can add their partner — whether a spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, or someone you've been in a long-term relationship with — to their health insurance plan at little to no cost. The number of companies offering this benefit has surged in recent years, as has the number of people taking advantage of it. To qualify for this benefit, your relationship must be long-term and meet specific other criteria, such as being financially interdependent. Domestic partner benefits can be a terrific way to save money on health insurance premiums if you and your partner are in good health.
- Transgender Healthcare Coverage - Transgender healthcare coverage is just what it says it is: healthcare plans that provide appropriate care and services for transgender individuals. This can include hormone replacement therapy, mental health services, and gender reassignment surgery. The latter of these services has been a heavily debated issue. It is becoming more regulated by state and federal laws. Transgender individuals often find themselves in a catch-22 regarding their health plan: they may qualify for coverage as their assigned sex at birth, but they need the coverage to help transition to the opposite gender.
Fortunately, many health insurance providers are starting to see the value in covering these services to allow transgender people to live their lives most comfortably.
- Gay and Bisexual Men's Health Care - Gay and bisexual men often face unique health concerns because of the prevalence of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the LGBTQ community. Gay men can get hepatitis A, B, and C, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV). In contrast, bisexual men are at risk for HIV. Fortunately, many health insurance companies now cover hepatitis A and B vaccinations, HPV vaccinations, and HIV tests for gay and bisexual men.
- Lesbian and Bisexual Women's Health Care - Lesbian and bisexual women need special health care, too, given the risks associated with STIs and unplanned pregnancies. STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes are particularly common among women who have sex with women. Thankfully, many health insurance providers now cover STI testing, vaccination, and contraception.
Bottom line: Is LGBTQ Healthcare Coverage Enough?
As you can see, LGBTQ coverage goes beyond the name at the top of your health insurance card. It considers the unique health risks faced by specific populations and the unique challenges faced by members of the LGBTQ community when accessing healthcare. Having LGBTQ coverage is the most reliable way to ensure the LGBTQ community can access the medical attention you require.
