Colorado Expands Access to Inclusive Healthcare During Open Enrollment
As Coloradans navigate the open enrollment period for health insurance, a landmark guide from the state’s Division of Insurance sheds light on coverage for vital healthcare services. This guide specifically addresses gender-affirming care and HIV prevention and treatment, signaling the state’s commitment to comprehensive and inclusive healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals.
"Access to comprehensive, inclusive and affirming healthcare is a cornerstone of well-being for the LGBTQ+ community," states Nadine Bridges, executive director of LGBTQ+ advocacy organization One Colorado.
The guide empowers individuals and small employers, (those with 99 or fewer employees), and clarifies coverage options available through Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s marketplace.
Six insurance providers – Anthem, Cigna, Denver Health, Kaiser Permanente, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, and Select Health – offer plans through Connect for Health Colorado, ensuring a diverse range of choices for consumers.
Beyond outlining which plans cover critical services like hormone therapy and surgical procedures related to gender-affirming care, the guide also details coverage for HIV prevention and treatment medications.
Crucially, it highlights the state’s commitment to protecting access to these services. Colorado made history in 2023 by explicitly including gender-affirming care in its benchmark health insurance plan for essential health benefits. This forward-thinking approach ensures broader access to these critical services for Coloradans.
With the open enrollment period underway, this guide serves as a crucial resource, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.
https://doi.colorado.gov/for-consumers/consumer-resources/special-insurance-topics/lgbtq-health-care-rights/hiv-prevention
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/colorado-open-enrollment-open-2024/
