Protecting the Rights of Transgender People Starts But Does Not End with Quality Healthcare

By | Cristina Aguilar + Austin Montoya

Since the passage of House Bill 2 in North Carolina this past March, politicians have been talking a lot more about transgender people’s access to public spaces like restrooms. Unfortunately, many of these conversations have purposely left out the voices of transgender people and their families. Transgender people are still harassed in school hallways, fired after transitioning on the job, and refused housing. This discrimination also reaches into every part of our healthcare system.

Transgender and gender-nonconforming people face an increased risk for HIV and an increased risk of depression and violence, while having lower rates of health insurance. This results in huge health disparities that require both policy and culture change to overcome.

Almost 20 percent of transgender people report being refused medical care and 50 percent of people say they have had to educate their medical providers about transgender care. Many people also report postponing care due to a fear of discrimination and feeling unsupported by their medical providers. Additionally, there are issues of insurance coverage, affordability, and navigating a health system that does not know how to meet or respect the needs of transgender people.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped to address some of the issues transgender and gender-nonconforming people face. The ACA prohibits discrimination in hospitals and health coverage based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and HIV/AIDS status. It helps to make sure people cannot be charged more for health insurance or services simply because of sexual orientation or gender identity. People cannot be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions or have coverage dropped if they get sick. There is also no lifetime coverage for chronic illnesses like HIV/AIDS.

Transgender people now have the right to medically necessary services, such as gender transition and confirmation care. Many transgender people living without health insurance may also now be eligible for free or low-cost coverage through their state health insurance marketplace, which can cover the cost for transition-related care, and help with preventative care and managing chronic conditions.

The gains we’ve made through the new healthcare regulations and insurance plans are an important step forward in improving health outcomes for transgender people, but true equality must exist beyond the doctor’s office. In Colorado, transgender people still face discrimination at the voting booth and employment. A majority of transgender people across the country continue to live in poverty and face harassment and violence. This is especially true for transgender people of color who are forced to live in fear as each week or month we see another report of a transgender person being killed.

We have made progress, but there is more work to be done to ensure that every Coloradan can live with respect and dignity.

We can do better.  We must do better.