The
report is being released in conjunction with June’s designation as LGBT
Pride Month. The steps described in the report are vitally important to
the LGBT community, including
those relating to health coverage given that LGBT communities may be
more likely to be uninsured or under-insured because of discrimination
in the workplace and lack of relationship recognition.
“We
made a commitment to ensure fairness in the health care system for all
Americans, LGBT Americans included, and this report shows we are
following through on that pledge,”
said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “Millions of LGBT Americans now
have greater assurances that they will be treated with dignity and
respect in our health care system.”
The
report highlights how HHS has satisfied its 2011 objectives and
otherwise advanced the health and well-being of LGBT Americans in many
ways over the past year.
Key accomplishments from the past year include:
·
Continued
implementation of the Affordable Care Act has given Americans,
including LGBT individuals, improved access to health coverage including
vital
preventive services, such as mammograms and HIV testing, with no co-pay
or deductible.
In addition, in 2014, more coverage options will be available through an expanded Medicaid program and New Affordable Insurance
Exchanges, which cannot discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
·
Re-launching the website,
www.StopBullying.gov, that contains specific information for LGBT youth to deal with bullies.
·
Creation of an LGBT Youth Suicide task force, as well as funding to state and tribal suicide prevention programs.
·
Awarding
funding to the Fenway Institute to create national training programs
for the nation’s community health centers on culturally competent LGBT
health care.
In
addition, the 2012 report describes how HHS will continue to work
closely with the LGBT community and be responsive to their needs by:
·
Supporting initiatives to reduce and stop smoking with special emphasis on high-risk populations, including LGBT youth.
·
Continuing
to address discrimination, harassment, and violence against all
individuals through domestic violence resources and prevention programs.
·
Funding pilot studies to identify and test innovative ways of reducing obesity in lesbian and bisexual women.
The
2012 report underscores HHS’s commitment to working to ensure that all
Americans are able to access affordable, quality care that is sensitive
to their unique health needs.
The report also highlights how HHS initiatives have been designed to
meet the needs of LGBT Americans across their lifespan, from training
child welfare agencies to helping caregivers serve elderly LGBT
individuals with compassion and sensitivity.
The
HHS LGBT Issues Coordinating Committee is currently co-chaired by
Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Howard Koh, Administrator of the
Administration for Community Living
and Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee, and Deputy General
Counsel Ken Choe.