Despite promising breakthroughs in healthcare access for LGBTQ individuals and families, the current administration and many conservative states are looking to rollback breakthroughs and protections. Twenty-eight states have no non-discrimination laws relating to sexual orientation or gender identity. In these states, same-sex couples struggle for access to health insurance coverage through employers. In fact, only 57% of firms around the U.S. offering coverage to opposite-sex couples offer the same coverage for same-sex couples.
Access to Care
Members of the LGBTQ community continue to battle access to care. In 2017, eight percent of LGB respondents reported being denied care due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. A startling 29% of transgender patients were denied care. These individuals were denied care for basic services, counseling and primary care. One same-sex couple had a pediatrician refuse to see their child.
Mental Health
One of the most restricted areas of healthcare is mental health. Members of the LGBTQ community are more likely to suffer from mental health disorders and substance abuse due to the stigma and discrimination. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), certain provisions were made to help improve access to services, including:
- More options for health coverage
- Expansion of Medicaid
- Prohibited healthcare discrimination
- Required most healthcare plans to include mental or behavioral services.
The Trump Administration is now trying to rollback these provisions.
The Fight Against Discrimination
Ultimately, the lack of access to healthcare boils down to discrimination. State and federal lawmakers must act to prohibit discrimination in the healthcare sector. Allowing discrimination to continue threatens public health and safety.
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