The Best Health Insurance for LGBTQIA+ Community
Historically, the LGBTQIA+ community has been less likely to have health insurance coverage compared to their non-LGBTQIA+ peers. One of the biggest reasons is lack of access to affordable coverage, which can be tied to poorer physical, psychological, and financial health for those who aren’t able to find affordable coverage.
It’s more important than ever that members of the LGBTQIA+ community are aware of their options when it comes to enrolling in health insurance. One of the defining pillars of the Affordable Care Act was making sure that everyone had equal access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance. Let’s unpack what that means:
Health insurance plans cannot discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity
It’s illegal for any qualified health plan to deny you coverage or charge you a higher premium based on your sexual orientation. You also cannot be denied financial assistance if you’re legally married as a same-sex couple.
Health insurance plans cannot deny coverage if you have a pre-existing condition
A health insurance company cannot deny you coverage because you have a pre-existing condition. This includes behavioral health conditions, HIV, a transgender medical history, or cancer. You can rest assured that you won’t be charged a higher premium either if you have a pre-existing condition, either.
All qualified health plans must cover a set of preventive services for free
Preventive services, like shots and screening tests, are covered at no cost to you under your health insurance plan as long as you receive it within your plan’s network. Your health insurance company can’t limit sex specific recommended preventive services based on your sex assigned at birth, your gender identity, or your recorded gender. For example, a transgender man can still receive mammograms and pap smears at no cost.
As long as your doctor determines that a preventive service is medically necessary, your health insurance company cannot charge you a copayment or coinsurance, even if you’ve met your deductible.
All health insurance for LGBTQ members should cover 10 essential health benefits
What is the best health insurance for LGBT members? No matter what health insurance plan you choose, each plan will help cover 10 essential health benefits. This includes laboratory services, emergency services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services, and mental health services, to name a few. You can see the full list of 10 essential health benefits here to learn more.
Health insurance is more affordable than ever for everyone—including the LGBTQIA+ community
It’s essential to explore your options and choose the best LGBTQ health insurance plan that fits your unique requirements. Thanks to new legislation introduced with the American Rescue Plan Act earlier this year, 4 out of 5 people can get a health insurance plan for less than $10 per month, and some plans start at $0/month. Stride will search through all of the health insurance plans on Healthcare.gov or your state marketplace and recommend the best plan for your needs. Since Open Enrollment for the year has ended, you’ll need a qualifying life event if you’re looking to enroll or change your health insurance. You can read more about that here.
Have more questions about getting affordable LGBTQ health insurance? We’re here to help! Email us at support@stridehealth.com or give us a call at 415-930-9110 to talk to our award-winning team of licensed health insurance agents.
