Content created by Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH)
The Affordable Care Act gives all Americans, including LGBTQ+ Americans, improved access to health coverage.
Non-discrimination
LGBTQI+ Americans have long been denied access to health care and services. HHS has made significant progress in protecting the rights of every American to access quality care, while recognizing that diverse populations have distinctive needs.
In 2021, the HHS Office for Civil Rights announced it will interpret and enforce Section 1557 and Title IX’s prohibitions on discrimination based on sex to include discrimination on the basis of:
- sexual orientation
- gender identity
Some of the areas we focus on include:
- Gender-affirming care
- Health disparities for LGBTQI+ populations
- Protecting the safety of LGBTQI+ youth
- Strengthen civil rights for LGBTQI+ individuals and families
Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act is greatly improving access to affordable, quality health coverage for LGBTQI+ Americans.
- Transgender people have important details to consider when applying for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace®.
Watch a video about how the Affordable Care Act helps improve access to quality health care for the LGBTQI+ community (2014).