LGBTQ+ veterans have unique needs and challenges when it comes to accessing timely and appropriate health care. In fact, a new RAND study finds that, when compared with their cisgender and heterosexual peers, both female and male sexual minority veterans, as well as transgender veterans, have poorer health-related outcomes.
Here are some of the other findings:
Those who identify as bisexual or another nonheterosexual identity were significantly more likely to report having been unable to afford medical care in the past year than heterosexual veterans of the same sex.
Male and female sexual minority veterans had higher odds of reporting a lifetime history of major depressive disorder when compared with their heterosexual peers.
Lesbian or gay female veterans, gay male veterans, bisexual male veterans, and transgender veterans were more likely to have a lifetime diabetes diagnosis than their heterosexual and cisgender veteran peers were.
Living in a state with a more favorable LGBTQ+ policy climate was associated with better health-related outcomes.
The study authors identify recommendations that could help support the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ veterans. For instance, it's important to ensure that LGBTQ+ veterans receive the full benefits for which they are eligible. Continued expansion of LGBTQ+-affirming services within the Veterans Health Administration could also help.
Thanks to China's relentless aggression against the Philippines, the odds of armed conflict in the South China Sea are high and rising. What, if anything, can the Philippines and the United States do about it? RAND's Derek Grossman recently laid out the options, which include revising the U.S.-Philippines treaty and amplifying the U.S. military's role in the region. The best option, he says, may be for Washington and Manila to stay the course—but add new features, such as imposing costs for China's aggression. This might help lessen the risk of war in the years to come. Read more »
In recent years, NATO has made slow, steady progress on space policy. In 2019, for instance, NATO officially declared space an operational domain. More recently, the alliance established and accredited the NATO Space Center of Excellence. This is a good start, say RAND's Bruce McClintock and Anca Agachi. However, to succeed in outer space, NATO can take a few specific actions, such as including space capability requirements in defense planning and creating a NATO–European Union space task force. These and other steps can help build a “mature NATO space enterprise at a time when the geopolitical environment needs it most.” Read more »
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States—and cases are rising. A recent RAND survey asked parents about their willingness to vaccinate children if a Lyme disease vaccine were available.
RAND's Christine Eibner discussed the rise in self-insurance that occurred after the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010.
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