Site details health care rights and protections..
DENVER (June 1, 2020) – To help celebrate Pride Month 2020, the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), is proud to announce a new resource for Coloradans, our “LGBTQ Health Care Rights and Resources” website. This site explains the rights and protections for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans regarding health care services and health insurance.
“Still today, ten years after the passage of the Affordable Care Act, LGBTQ Coloradans continue to experience discrimination in health care based on their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Daniel Ramos, Executive Director of One Colorado. “Even the fear of discrimination can keep LGBTQ people from making that important call to a provider. The new LGBTQ Health Care Rights and Resources tool will help LGBTQ people understand their rights in accessing health care and what to do if and when they are faced with discrimination. We appreciate the leadership of the Colorado Division of Insurance and their shared commitment to closing the gap between legal and lived equality for LGBTQ Coloradans.”
Colorado Regulation 4-2-62 prohibits discrimination in private health insurance plans based on sexual orientation or gender identity. DOI’s new resource offers detailed information regarding these protections in private health insurance (both individual plans and employer-based plans), as well as protections in public plans such as Medicare or Colorado Medicaid (known as Health First Colorado).
The site also spells out both the federal and State protections available to LGBTQ Coloradans and offers a wealth of additional resources for people who may be experiencing discrimination in health care or who simply have questions.
“Health care access is always important,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “But now in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s key that we give people information and resources that allow them to break through the barriers of discrimination.”
Visit the “LGBTQ Health Care Rights and Resources” page for more information.
If you feel you have been discriminated against by a health insurance plan, you can contact the Division to ask a question or file a complaint at 303-894-7490 / 800-930-3745 / DORA_Insurance@state.co.us or visit our "Ask a Question / Make a Complaint" page.
If you feel you’ve been discriminated against within a health care setting, you can file a charge of discrimination with the Colorado Civil Rights Division through their "Filing a Charge of Discrimination" page.
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The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) regulates the insurance industry and assists consumers and other stakeholders with insurance issues. Visit dora.colorado.gov/insurance for more information or call 303-894-7499 / toll free 800-930-3745.
DORA is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. Visit dora.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7855 / toll free 1-800-886-7675.