Why does the Affordable Care Act matter to the LGBT community?

The following is an special guest blog from Matty Smith, One Iowa’s Communications Director.

Why does the Affordable Care Act matter to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community?

For far too long, health concerns for LGBT people have been pushed to the side. LGBT Americans had limited access to health care and insurance and had been less likely to get preventive care to stay in good health.

Under the Affordable Care Act, there are a number of ways the Department of Health and Human Services helps LGBT Americans:

1. The Affordable Care Act protects LGBT individuals’ right to access quality, affordable health insurance. The law prevents insurers from denying coverage to LGBT people or charging a higher premium due to so-called “pre-existing conditions” simply because someone identifies as LGBT.
2. Generally, the law removes lifetime dollar limits on coverage, which means that people with chronic illnesses like HIV and AIDS can get the care they need. Annual limits on coverage are, generally, also illegal under the new law as well.
3. The Affordable Care Act promoted wellness by requiring all insurers to cover preventive care at no additional cost. This means LGBT adults and teenagers can get screened by a health professional for HIV or depression without paying co-pays or deductibles.
4. The law helps more LGBT Americans find affordable health insurance by offering a place to shop and compare various plans where some may qualify for lower costs on monthly premiums.

Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace ends March 31. Time is ticking—don’t delay in signing up for affordable health insurance through the Marketplace. You can enroll online at HealthCare.gov, or visit OneIowa.org/Health for more info. You can also call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. It’s time to get covered under the Affordable Care Act. Sign up today.

This blog was supported by a grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services. The contents are solely the responsibility of One Iowa Education Fund and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department.