Healthcare should be a safe and welcoming experience for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. However, members of the LGBTQI+ community often face unique challenges when accessing healthcare, including discrimination, stigma, and a lack of understanding from providers.
According to the CMS Office of Minority Health, the poverty rate is higher among LGBTQI+ individuals (21.6%), specifically among transgender people and bisexual women (29.4%). Social Determinants of Health factors can also contribute to mental health disparities, including depression, anxiety disorders, and health risk behaviors.
The CMS Health Observances Resource Center offers valuable insights and resources to address these disparities:
- Recognizing Health Disparities in the LGBTQI+ Community (PDF)
- Caring for LGBTQI+ Patients Medicare Learning Network Training
- HIV/AIDS Disparities in Medicare Fee-For-Service Beneficiaries (PDF)
- LGBTQI+ Partners webpage
- Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity
- Protecting the Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) People
As we celebrate Pride Month, let us reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work that lies ahead in advancing LGBTQI+ health and equality. Telligen is proud to offer our own suite of health equity solutions for identifying and eliminating healthcare disparities to improve health for all.