Health coverage plans are often intimidating for the average adult, and especially so for LGBTQ+ adults who face a number of disparities including discrimination or lack of affordable access to providers. According to the Human Rights Campaign’s 2024 Healthcare Equality Index, 51%of nonbinary and transgender respondents reported negative experiences with healthcare, and one in five LGBTQ adults have postponed healthcare treatment due to disrespect or discrimination by their healthcare providers. According to a 2021 report by the US Department of Health and Human Resources, LGBTQ+ adults are also less likely to have a “usual source of care” and are more likely to delay healthcare treatment due to cost, particularly for therapy and counseling services.
Considering these disparities among the LGBTQ+ population, especially amid national attacks on gender affirming surgery and hormone replacement therapy, like the ban on gender-affirming care for minors which was upheld in Texas earlier this year, it’s important to pursue finding healthcare providers and insurance plans that work for queer adults. The 2024 Healthcare Equality Index even indicates that out of this year’s 1065 participants, 71% had an official plan for reducing LGBTQ health disparities, and 75% had a way to inform patients of LGBTQ knowledgeable and friendly providers.
The open enrollment for healthcare plans in Colorado began on November 1 with six major healthcare companies offering medical plans during the annual enrollment period, according to a press release from Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. The enrollment period ends on January 15, 2025, though customers who are looking for coverage plans that begin on the first day of the new year will need to sign up by December 15.
According to the press release, three out of five Coloradans are expected to find a plan for $10 or less as their monthly payment. “We have seen record numbers of Coloradans enroll for the last four years …” said Kevin Patterson, Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer. “Plan prices and options change every year so we encourage residents to access our experts and tools to review options.”
