When addressing the health of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s crucial to recognize the multifaceted challenges it faces.
Gender-affirming treatment has emerged as a significant contentious issue at both the state and federal levels.
A recent move in Alabama has undermined the hard-won rights of same-sex couples by restricting access to in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
The upcoming election could dramatically affect several national safeguards, including those preventing insurers and healthcare providers from discriminating based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
This steep challenge is perilous and complex to navigate. Access to vital care for all LGBTQ+ individuals should never be a political or cultural debate topic. It’s not a luxury or a “woke” issue but fundamentally a matter of human rights, requiring widespread support from the LGBTQ+ community, our allies, and the entities that provide healthcare.
Healthcare equity ought to be common ground. Regardless of our personal beliefs, we all have a stake in addressing the health disparities faced by the LGBTQ+ community, which include disproportionately high rates of mental health issues, HIV/AIDS, certain cancers, and chronic conditions like diabetes.
Many severe health conditions can be prevented with timely and appropriate care. Yet, too many LGBTQ+ individuals lack access to the healthcare they need.
Issues such as gender-affirming care and IVF are just the beginning. LGBTQ+ individuals often face barriers to all kinds of care, including basic primary and preventive healthcare, mental health services, and specialized care.
As a queer man, I have personally encountered many of these barriers. Finding trustworthy healthcare providers who are welcoming and non-discriminatory has been a struggle, and I know many in the community have faced far worse.
Even without direct discrimination or denial of care, navigating health insurance and the medical system is often more challenging for LGBTQ+ people.
A survey conducted by Included Health and YouGov showed that LGBTQ+ individuals have more difficulty understanding their health benefits, medical costs, and billing. Notably, LGBTQ+ respondents were more likely to delay or forego medical visits due to administrative or insurance complications.
Neglecting or postponing healthcare can have dire consequences. Mental health issues and serious illnesses often exacerbate each other, leading to increased hospital and doctor visits.
Nobody wants these outcomes. LGBTQ+ people aim to stay healthy and out of hospitals, aligning with the interests of employers and health insurers who bear the costs.
Fortunately, we know how to address these disparities and close the gaps in care. As the co-founder of an LGBTQ+ healthcare company serving six million people, I’ve witnessed the positive impact of ensuring equal access to quality care for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Firstly, businesses and health insurers must play their part. Those committed to enhancing health equity should focus on:
- Data: Identifying health disparities begins with data collection. By gathering self-reported data on gender identity and sexual orientation, alongside surveys, healthcare claims, and more, companies can paint an accurate picture of their LGBTQ+ employees’ health needs. These assessments are vital for tailoring benefits and initiatives to the LGBTQ+ community and monitoring their effectiveness.
- Broad provider networks: Access to healthcare providers knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ health remains a challenge. Culturally competent care leads to better patient engagement and outcomes. Expanding provider networks, including through telehealth, allows LGBTQ+ individuals to find primary care doctors, specialists, and mental health professionals who understand their needs.
- Wrap-around support: The LGBTQ+ community benefits greatly from additional non-clinical support, such as care coordination and claims advocacy. Expertise in LGBTQ+ health among case managers and care coordinators further enhances care quality.
LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, including parents and guardians of LGBTQ+ youth, also have a role in advocating for these resources. Actions you can take include:
- Sharing personal information with your employer and health insurer when asked in surveys and forms. This data helps identify care gaps and ensures representation.
- Understanding your health benefits, including network providers with LGBTQ+ expertise and what your plan covers for essential health needs. If your benefits are lacking, communicate your needs to your employer’s HR department or your health insurer.
- Joining or forming an LGBTQ+ employee resource group (ERG) at work. ERGs provide peer support and are platforms for advocacy and organization.
- Engaging with internal DEI initiatives to ensure the LGBTQ+ community’s voices are heard within your organization.
Despite the politicization of LGBTQ+ health issues, it’s important to focus on actionable steps we can take now.
If the LGBTQ+ community, employers, and insurers unite around health equity, we can significantly improve the lives of countless LGBTQ+ individuals, benefiting both our workplaces and society as a whole.
Colin Quinn is the president of Communities at Included Health. As an LGBTQ+ member, he deeply understands the healthcare navigation challenges faced by the community. He is dedicated to advancing care equality for underserved populations and co-founded Included Health, later acquired by Grand Rounds Health and Doctor on Demand, which subsequently underwent a rebranding.
