Balloons spelling "Pride" at Denver Pride Parade.

Colorado Health Foundation Statement on LGBTQ Supreme Court Decision and Section 1557 of the ACA

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Today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision was a landmark victory for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Americans, ensuring that a person cannot be discriminated against in the workplace on the basis of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Protecting people from discrimination, including people who are gay or transgender, is about protecting health. We believe fair treatment of LGBTQ people is foundational to our core value of equity, and is essential to supporting the overall health of LGBTQ people and their families. We applaud the people and organizations whose work helped lead to today's historic decision.  

But our work is not done. While we celebrate this victory, LQBTQ Americans continue to face unfair, unjust and avoidable challenges when it comes to having what is needed to be healthy.  

Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized a rule under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that strips gender identity, sex stereotyping and language access protections in health care coverage and services. HHS’ rule risks keeping needed health care services out of reach for LGBTQ people, who already face many barriers to their health, including: access to care, postponing medical care when sick due to discrimination, refusal of care, harassment and violence. LGBTQ people of color face even more barriers.

We know protections such as these are vital to advance health and health equity in Colorado communities, including our LGBTQ family, friends and neighbors. And we know we must be vigilant in our fight to ensure all Coloradans have what they need to live healthy lives.

To learn more about the Supreme Court decision, attend a webinar tonight, hosted by One Colorado.

Read our comment letter on HHS’ rule on Section 1557.

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