|
John,
In the midst of a global pandemic that has infected millions and killed hundreds of thousands, the Trump administration is allowing the most vulnerable in our community to be stripped of their protections in health care.
Today, in a cruel and despicable move, President Trump’s administration enacted a rule change that removes explicit protections for transgender people in health care by excluding protections from discrimination based on gender identity. While the Health Care Rights Law (a part of the Affordable Care Act) remains on the books, the new rule eliminates clear guidance that applies to anti-transgender bias. With the new rule erasing explicit instructions not to discriminate against transgender people, some health care providers and insurers may rely on this rule to deny care to transgender people. We won’t stop fighting. Not during the coronavirus pandemic, not ever.
Allowing insurance companies carte blanche to discriminate against transgender people will only end up putting more lives at risk. This rule sends the message that discrimination in health care is acceptable, even when it means patients will needlessly suffer.
That’s why we’re asking health insurance companies, starting with the country’s largest, UnitedHealthcare, to commit to the following to ensure transgender people can stay safe during this terrifying time:
- Do NOT take any steps to reduce coverage or services in response to this rule;
- Explicitly prohibit gender identity discrimination in your non-discrimination policies;
- Continue to provide individuals with full notices of their non-discrimination rights.
Access to health care is a human right. The battle against the coronavirus has demonstrated with devastating clarity that the health of every person in this country is interconnected. We must be united to ensure each of us can live and thrive no matter who we are.
Will you stand with us as we call on insurers, starting with UnitedHealthcare, to reject this cruel move and publicly commit to protecting all patients?
Sincerely,
Mara Keisling
 |
Mara Keisling
National Center for Transgender Equality
Executive Director |
|
