As if we should expect anything else, why would a worldwide health emergency be any deterrent in impeached President Donald Trump’s war with basic decency? During a pandemic, when interactions between our community and our health care apparatus, rules are being re-written to remove Obama-era policies that prohibit LGBTQ health care discrimination. This is happening right now!
What Exactly is Being Changed to Remove LGBTQ Health Care Discrimination Protections?
The exact statute being re-written is the Section 1557 provision from the Affordable Care Act. This barred medical professionals from discriminating against anyone based on their sex or gender identity. While still not publicly released, the new rule is under internal review and appears to be on its way towards adoption.
How Will I Be Affected by the Removal of LGBTQ Health Care Discrimination Protections?
The difficulty in protecting oneself from discrimination is first identifying it and secondly resolving the issue. Our community has long dealt with vast medical disparities linked to systemic discrimination and denials of both our civil and human rights. The removal of statutory protections can only exacerbate this situation.
The overriding fear is that weakening protections will deter LGBTQ patients from seeking the medical attention they might otherwise need. Especially during the disastrous national response to COVID-19. At a time when we should be empowering our health care system with training, funding, and an abundance of love, we are instead grappling with the age-old issues of hate and prejudice.
Stay safe. Love each other. Live to serve. This is the only sentiment that will get us through these incredibly trying times. Keep informed about the news and events that affect your health and wellness by regularly visiting GayTucson.com.
Thank you for putting your trust in me. I love each and every one of you! We will get through this together!