If you don’t have health insurance, this coming Sunday, January 31, is the last day to enroll in a 2016 insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace to avoid a penalty. Not sure what to do? Check out a new, free guide just for LGBT people.
“Where to Start, What to Ask: A Guide for LGBT People Choosing Health Care Plans” comes from the fine folks at Strong Families. They created it, they say, because “For too long, LGBT people have been unable to find coverage that treats our families fairly, covers the care that we need, and doesn’t break the bank.” True enough.
The guide covers some basics that everyone needs to know, like deadlines, costs, and (broadly) what’s covered, but also includes specific information on LGBT-related topics, such as the definition of family, LGBT kids/youth, HIV/AIDS, transgender health care, and reporting discrimination. It offers numerous questions to ask both yourself and special “assisters” in each state before choosing a plan. They include:
- Do I have to have a condition of infertility to qualify for ART (assisted reproductive technology) services?
- Can I cover our children, even if I am not a biological parent and have not adopted?
- Am I considered a step-parent under my state’s laws?
- Can I cover my partner/spouse’s children if I am a stepparent?
- If I hire a surrogate, can I cover that surrogate on my health plan?
- Are there LGBT lactation or trans-friendly lactation consultants available on this plan?
- Will I have access to therapists who are experienced treating LGBT individuals, their families, and their children?
The guide doesn’t offer answers, since these will vary from plan to plan—but simply by offering clear questions with standard terminology, it can help LGBT individuals and families better communicate about and evaluate the options available. Download it now!