(10/11/22) Untangling the complex and sometimes intimidating world of health benefits can be difficult for many individuals. What kind of coverage do you need for your lifestyle? What documents and paperwork will you need to show? Where should you even start?
Fortunately, these questions and many more will be answered at an upcoming LGBTQ Community Connection event, hosted by the Center for LGBTQ Health Equity and presented by Taylor Hans of Chase Brexton Health Care’s Case Management department. The free, virtual session will take place on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; learn more about the session here.
We asked Taylor for a preview of the tips she’ll present on navigating the many options for health benefits.
What are some common concerns you hear from individuals trying to navigate the world of health benefits?
I tend to hear a lot of concerns about where/how to start looking into proper health benefits. Many individuals are not aware of the resources available to connect with health insurance in the state of Maryland, and many struggle with understanding what qualifications exist for particular insurance programs, such as Medicaid. There is a lot of misinformation out there that can confuse individuals who are seeking proper health coverage. There is also a common concern about exactly WHAT health benefits are offered to these individuals, as there are many nuances to understanding and utilizing coverage benefits!
What problems do LGBTQ+ individuals often face in taking advantage of their health benefits?
LGBTQ+ individuals have some of the most difficulty in accessing and achieving health equity within the current U.S. healthcare system. Legislation and care benefits around transgender healthcare has not caught up to the medical interventions that are necessary for many of these clients to be happy and healthy. In particular, there are many issues around coverage benefits for hormones and transitionary procedures. As such, LGBTQ+ individuals commonly struggle with gaining access to equitable health care, prescription coverage for their gender-affirming medications, and transitionary medical procedures. The health benefits offered to members of the LGBTQ+ community have not always been the most inclusive or equitable.
In addition to the negative health outcomes that may result from not using their health benefits, what financial risks do these individuals face?
LGBTQ+ individuals face financial hardship by not being offered appropriate or compensatory health services, typically resultant from insurance denials. They are often left with large medical bills for gender-affirming services that their insurance companies deny for coverage. Many times, there are lengthy appeals and legal processes required for an individual to engage or receive particular health services, which can be another undue financial strain on the individual. Without sufficient health coverage for this community being protected within legislation, LGBTQ+ individuals are paying more for their healthcare than necessary.
What strategies can LGBTQ+ individuals use to make navigating their health benefits feel less overwhelming?
Reach out! Insurance is overwhelming by yourself, so ask for help! There are numerous organizations that are available to help better understand and navigate the complications of health benefits offered in Maryland. Our Chase Brexton SWOD department is always happy to help answer questions as best as we can! Otherwise, the best resource I can provide is to reach out to Healthcare Access Maryland, a non-profit organization that works closely with the insurance benefit exchange to provide individuals a better overview of their health coverage options. They can give you a clearer understanding of what coverage you may be eligible for, and even help enroll you in coverage if necessary. Asking for help is the best way to reduce the overwhelming stress AND get assistance in accessing your health benefits!
News