Summary
Summary: There is significant evidence of health care discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. A national study found that, in the previous year, 47% of LGBTQ+ respondents were refused care from a provider and more than 20% were denied insurance coverage on gender-affirming care (e.g., hormone therapy, reconstructive surgeries). Different states have different protections for LGBTQ+ individuals against health care discrimination. Given the diversity, the author researched if health outcomes also differed from state to state.
This study cites California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2017–2020 data as well as a UCLA CHPR study, which uses CHIS 2015–2020 data.
Findings: Author found very little research available. Both Tennessee and Nebraska ban gender-affirming medical care for minors, resulting in higher rates of unmet medical needs and mental distress with a focus on high prescription costs from lack of insurance. Reduced rates of depression and suicide in patients with trans-inclusive providers. California has the most legal protections and explicitly prohibits insurance discrimination, covers gender-affirming surgery and hormone therapy, and is the only sanctuary state for minors seeking gender-affirming medical care.
There were no studies to report on health outcomes in the most restrictive states (e.g., Arkansas, Arizona), nor in Alabama where gender-affirming medical care for minors is considered a felony crime. While evidence is still thin on the health outcomes associated with health care discrimination against LGBTQ+ patients, there’s plenty to indicate that health care discrimination is happening.
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