You Might Like
LGBT Health Issues Advancing According to HHS Report
Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) LGBT Issues Coordinating Committee released its annual report on the agency’s actions taken and proposed for the coming year to improve the health and well-being of LGBT Americans. The committee, which started in 2010, meets regularly with LGBT stakeholders to learn more about the pressing health needs of our community. HRC has been actively involved both sharing ideas and pressing for attention to health related issues.
The following are among the LGBT health related issues that HHS worked on this year and has plans for actions in 2016:
- FDA Blood Ban – The agency requested comments on its draft guidance replacing the lifetime ban on blood donation by MSM, with a one-year deferral. The agency will conduct a series of stakeholder listening sessions around the country in early 2016 on how an updated policy can be implemented.
- Health Care Nondiscrimination Protections – HHS issued its draft regulation implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act in September and plans to have a final rule ready in 2016. The proposed rule would ensure critical nondiscrimination protections for LGBT people. After it is released, HHS will disseminate information to issuers highlighting obligations under Section 1557 and specifically regarding gender transition-related care exclusions.
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Questions in Enrollment Data – The Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight/CMS will convene a work group to develop a common strategy for the inclusion of SOGI questions in enrollment data.
- Access to Preventive Services for All Consumers – CMS issued guidance clarifying that the availability of preventive services under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were provided regardless of an individual’s gender identity, sex assigned at birth, or recorded gender.
- Conditions of Participation – CMS plans to issue a NPRM that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in the provision of services by participating hospitals and critical access hospitals to patients of Medicare and Medicaid by the end of FY 2016.
- Supporting LGBT Youth – SAMSHA published “Ending Conversion Therapy by Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ Youth” in conjunction with American Psychological Association. This was the first, federal report reviewing and addressing the dangers of conversion therapy. In the year ahead, SAMHSA will work with partners to broadly disseminate this information to providers and other stakeholders.
HRC has consistently called on HHS to make the changes outlined in the Blueprint for Positive Change including overturning the lifetime ban on blood donation, revising the conditions of participation in federal health programs, and updating collection of data. In addition, we have been a vocal advocate for adoption of Section 1557 regulations that fully protect the LGBT community and continue to work on both the state and federal levels to end the use of conversion therapy for good.
Secretary Burwell and her team have been incredible partners listening and collaborating with HRC to help reduce health disparities among LGBT Americans. We look forward to continuing those efforts in the 2016
You Might Like
