FOLX Health’s Post

The number of LGBTQ+ seniors is expected to grow from 3 million to 7 million people by 2030 according to 2021 data from SAGE, a national advocacy and services organization for LGBTQ+ elders. SCAN Health Plan President, Karen Schulte, highlights the growing need for population-specific plans like SCAN Affirm, the first ever Medicare Advantage plan for LGBTQ+ older adults in this Modern Healthcare LGBTQ care coverage roundup: https://lnkd.in/gTd8JSk8

Primarily due to litigation, more insurers are finding ways to provide more robust benefits for the LGBTQ+ community, as this article from Modern Healthcare explains. #employeebenefits #employeewellness #lawfirms #lawfirmmanagement https://lnkd.in/g85-vMga

Health care is a human right that should be accessible to all Americans equally without unfair and discriminatory restrictions. #LGBTQ Americans are grateful for this step forward to combat discrimination in health care so no one is barred from lifesaving treatment. The Biden administration’s updates to rules regarding Section 1557 of the ACA will ensure that no one who is LGBTQ or pregnant can face discrimination in accessing essential #healthcare. This reversal of Trump-era discriminatory rules that sought to single out Americans based on who they are and make it difficult or impossible for them to access necessary medical care will have a direct, positive impact on the day to day lives of millions of people. Today’s move marks the 334th action from the Biden-Harris White House in support of LGBTQ people. Read more ⤵ https://lnkd.in/evcnaGaq

The politicization of #LGBTQhealth is frightening and discouraging, but we shouldn’t lose sight of the things we can control and act on today. If the LGBTQ+ community, employers, and insurers rally around #HealthyEquity, there is so much we can accomplish together that will have an immediate impact on the lives of millions of LGBTQ+ individuals, our workplaces and communities as a whole. Read more from #IncludedHealth's President of Communities, Colin Quinn. https://lnkd.in/gyPt-Nvc #LGBTQHealthWeek #EmployeeBenefits #HealthBenefits #GenderAffirmingCare

With the LGBTQ+ community persistently under attack, it is easy to feel helpless. It's particularly worrisome when our healthcare—and ultimately our lives—are on the line. We must remain optimistic and committed to making change in spite of the rhetoric and real challenges our community is facing. It's also important that we continue to compel our workplaces to align on the right side of history - which is the side of equity, inclusion, and belonging! Colin Quinn, co-founder of Included Health and speaker at Out & Equal's upcoming Leadership Forum, shares his perspective and encourages us to not lose sight on the things that we can control. Colin shares, "If the LGBTQ+ community, employers, and insurers rally around healthy equity, there is so much we can accomplish together that will have an immediate impact on the lives of millions of LGBTQ+ individuals and our workplaces and communities as a whole." #InclusiveLeadership #BusinessOfBelonging https://lnkd.in/ef3yt7JU

Health care is a human right.

Data alert. LGBTQ+ people continue to face significant disparities. OutCare is now releasing and publishing landmark data that LGBTQ+ people have poorer experiences with healthcare insurance companies and healthcare insurer workers. The data is striking. For collaborative opportunities, see more at https://lnkd.in/eQzVPJDR. For specific data for LGBTQ+ people with Aetna, a CVS Health Company; Blue Cross Blue Shield Association; Cigna Healthcare; Humana; or UnitedHealth Group, reach out directly. Compared to cisgender, heterosexual people, significantly less LGBTQ+ people (only 50-60%) stated -             being satisfied with their health insurer -             believing their health insurer was their advocate -             trusting their health insurer -             being satisfied with their in-network providers -             believing their health insurer benefits met their needs LGBTQ+ people were also much more likely to convey that health insurer workers had misgendered them and been discriminatory. As in this recent press (https://lnkd.in/e5T-C784), healthcare systems need comprehensive approaches, partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations doing the affirming work.

As we kick off LGBTQ Health Week, I'm excited to partner with #LGBTQNation to amplify this message: Access to essential healthcare for all LGBTQ+ people is not a political or cultural issue that’s open to debate. #HealthEquity should be clear common ground, and we already know how to address the disparities facing the LGBTQ community. At Included Health, I’ve seen time and again that ensuring equitable access to high-quality care creates more confidence in the healthcare system, less care avoidance, and better health outcomes for LGBTQ+ people. We know what works, let's get moving! #LGBTQHealthWeek #HealthEquity

How insurers are covering the LGBTQ+ community 🌈 🗒 The healthcare industry is witnessing a significant shift towards inclusivity and equality, as highlighted by the efforts of insurers like Aetna, Cigna, and Humana to broaden care coverage for the LGBTQ+ community. This move is a response to the growing consumer demand for more comprehensive healthcare that addresses the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. Insurers are adopting various strategies to enhance their coverage options. Partnerships with LGBTQ+ providers, such as Plume Health, are enabling insurers to offer healthcare benefits tailored to LGBTQ+ members. These partnerships are crucial because they provide access to gender-affirming care, primary care, fertility care, therapy, and coverage navigation services specifically designed for LGBTQ+ patients. The expansion of coverage is not only a moral imperative but also a legal one, as insurers face lawsuits over allegedly discriminatory policies. For instance, Aetna recently settled a class-action lawsuit that claimed the insurer's policy for coverage of artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization services discriminated against beneficiaries in same-sex relationships. Moreover, targeted services for seniors within the LGBTQ+ community are being developed, recognizing the need for specialized care for older adults. This is a significant step, as it acknowledges the diversity within the community and the different healthcare requirements at various life stages. The commitment of these insurers to provide equal and fair coverage is a commendable move towards dismantling systemic barriers in healthcare. It reflects a broader trend in the industry to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, receive the care they need and deserve. As the industry evolves, it is essential that these inclusive practices continue to expand, setting a new standard for healthcare coverage that is truly universal. Source: https://lnkd.in/eVGPtjFA #InclusiveHealthcare #Equality #LGBTQHealthMatters #ComprehensiveCare #Healthcare

(Incoming rant) Does anyone else find it interesting that it’s never a lack of DESIRE for information about medical payments, insurance, coverage, etc. that gets in our way… It’s almost always a lack of accessibility to said information. The evolving healthcare legal landscape over the past decade has largely centered around increasing transparency from the opaque practices of medical offices and insurance companies so patients can make more informed decisions. However, these changes haven’t caught up with the complex reality of day-to-day healthcare operations and services. For those wishing to stay better apprised of changes, challenges, and opportunities pertaining to transparency in healthcare, check out the video below we put together to get the inside scoop you need to stay more informed. Or… if you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community and want to join a platform that’s built upon the sacred principles of authenticity, transparency, and trust, reach out and see what we’re doing at equalityMD! https://lnkd.in/gd_ZpMZP