Colorado Offers Expanded Coverage for LGBTQ+ Healthcare Needs During Open Enrollment
As Coloradans prepare for the annual open enrollment period for health insurance, the state is highlighting expanded coverage options for crucial LGBTQ+ healthcare needs.
The Colorado Division of Insurance has released two new guides outlining coverage for both gender-affirming care and HIV prevention and treatment. These guides are critical resources for individuals and small employers — defined as those with 99 employees or less — who are selecting plans through the state’s marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado. Six insurance providers, including Anthem, Cigna, Denver Health, Kaiser Permanente, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, and Select Health, are participating in the marketplace and offer a variety of plans.
“Access to comprehensive, inclusive and affirming healthcare is a cornerstone of well-being for the LGBTQ+ community,” stated Nadine Bridges, executive director of LGBTQ+ advocacy organization One Colorado.
The guides provide detailed information about which insurance plans, both on and off the marketplace, cover essential services for transgender individuals and those living with, or seeking to prevent, HIV.
The gender-affirming care guide delves into coverage for hormone therapy services and surgical procedures, while the HIV guide outlines the availability of prescription medications for prevention and treatment. Both guides also explain the state’s requirements and protections surrounding these services and medications.
Colorado made history this year by becoming the first state to explicitly include gender-affirming care services in its benchmark health insurance plan for essential health benefits. This pioneering move underscores the state’s commitment to providing inclusive and affirming healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community.
Learn More About Gender-Affirming Care Coverage
Learn More About HIV Prevention and Treatment Coverage
