Health | Opinion

Geoffrey Roth: A Tribal Day of Action on the Affordable Care Act

Friday, December 11, 2015

Geoffrey Roth. Photo from Facebook

Geoffrey Roth of the Indian Health Service calls attention to health issues facing the Two Spirit community:

LGBT2S Americans, including American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT2S individuals, have encountered discrimination in the health care system for decades. Many studies have shown that LGBT2S people are affected by chronic diseases at a higher rate than other Americans. In addition, evidence suggests that at least a portion of the LGBT2S community is disproportionately uninsured. Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act makes new coverage options available to all Americans and benefits families with individuals who are LGBT2S.
Plans purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace can't discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and LGBT2S individuals can't be charged a higher premium. An insurer can't deny coverage for pre-existing conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer or mental health illnesses, and there are no lifetime limits on coverage for people with chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Legally married same-sex couples are treated equally for financial assistance when purchasing coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace, regardless of where they live (even in states that don't recognize same-sex marriage).
Also, in efforts to make the online application more consumer friendly, the insurance and coverage finder feature on HealthCare.gov Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov includes a "same-sex partner" filter allowing same-sex couples to eliminate plans from a list of insurers available in their area that don't cover both partners. Consumers looking for information on domestic partner coverage also have access to the website's regular features, such as the ability to sort based on the enrollment, out-of-pocket costs and other categories.

Get the Story:
Geoffrey Roth: National LGBT2S Tribal Day of Action (Indian Health Service Blog 12/10)

Federal Register Notices:
Meeting on American Indian/Alaska Native Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Issues (August 26, 2015)
Meeting on American Indian/Alaska Native Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Issues (July 22, 2015)
Notice of Request for Information (June 5, 2015)