On June 26, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality on a 5-4 vote. While the celebrations continue, we also need to remember that “equal dignity in the eyes of the law” does not always translate into equality in action. Health care for LGBT people is still not equal.
Lesbian women (and other women who have sex with women) have a much higher risk for getting breast cancer than other women. Gay men (and other men who have sex with men) have a higher risk for syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV, chlamydia, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. LGBT individuals who are not “out” are more likely to suffer depression and bullying. Transgender individuals have a 500 percent relative risk of being a victim of violence.
These health disparities are the consequences of inequity, mistrust, and prejudice. They result from being denied health insurance based on who they love and who they identify as; they come from hiding important information from their health care providers, like sexual behaviors and mental health, out of the fear of rejection or outing. It also comes from healthcare providers who have not been educated on LGBT health issues.
Insurance companies are no longer allowed to discriminate against people based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or health conditions (including HIV status). This prevents insurance companies from denying people coverage based on “pre-existing conditions,” including transgender status, and insurance companies can’t drop your coverage if you get sick. Hospitals must allow patients to have anyone they want come and visit them, and they must apply rules equally to everyone, i.e. both opposite-sex and same-sex partners.
And since the Supreme Court ruling, same-sex spouses are covered under spousal insurance, no matter where they were married, if that employer offers spousal insurance to other (opposite-sex) employees.
All patients should know their rights to equitable high-quality healthcare, including free preventive care..
All hospitals, clinics, and providers should be savvy in health care rights, should be caring of all patients, should actively take initiative to make your experience as inclusive as possible. Unfortunately, that does not always happen. Patients have the right and the power to demand respect and equality.
LGBT patients should read our ” to learn about health care rights, how to access LGBT-friendly providers and more detailed resources, and how to file a complaint. It is only when patient speak up for their rights that the systems will start moving the law into action.
Emma Smaldino (emma.smaldino@ucdenver.edu) is a physician assistant student at the University of Colorado Denver. These opinions are soley that of the author.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit or check out our for how to submit by e-mail or mail.
