Members of the LGBTQIA+ population know all too well what it’s like to face discrimination in many facets of society but maybe even more acutely when it comes to health care. This can result in fewer people in the community seeking the care they need. That’s not okay. The good news is that things are changing for the better, at least on the federal level. Here’s what’s happening and some tips on finding providers who don’t discriminate.
Even though many states lack explicit laws against LGBTQIA+ discrimination in health care, Section 1557 of the ACA was restored by President Biden in 2021 and provides federal protections that prevent health care providers and insurance companies from discriminating on the basis of "race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs and activities." President Biden also signed an executive order called "Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation" his first day in office.
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said, “It is the position of the Department of Health and Human Services that everyone — including LGBTQ people — should be able to access health care, free from discrimination or interference, period." The office also promised to aggressively pursue any claims of discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation as part of its civil rights mission.
Dr. Rachel Levine, assistant secretary for health and the first openly transgender person to serve in a Senate-confirmed position stated, “Our mission as the Department of Health and Human Services is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, including LGBTQ individuals. Everyone needs access to health care.”
While all this is great news, finding a provider who won’t discriminate can still be difficult. Here are a few tips:
Ask other members of the LGBTQIA+ community about their providers.
Ask friends and family or put out the call on social media to see if there are any LGBTQIA+ owned and operated clinics in your area.
Search sites like Outcare , which is devoted to finding providers that are LGBTQIA+ friendly; Planned Parenthood and Rainbow Health.
If you feel you have suffered discrimination in health care because of your gender identity or sexual orientation, you can file a civil rights complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services here.
Finding a non-judgmental provider is great for your health! At Revan, we’ve created a health care community where everyone feels welcome and free from judgment.
Revan Health provides welcoming, respectful family medicine for all from infants to geriatrics. We understand the pain and frustration that comes with not feeling heard by your family care provider. We believe access to respectful care is key to improving medicine adherence and overall life satisfaction for our patients. Like us on Facebook or visit us at revanhealth.com.