Cultivating Inclusive Healthcare: Empowering LGBTQIA+ Well-being

At least 20 million U.S. adults identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, yet almost half report experiencing major effects from discrimination. According to the same study, over 15% of LGBTQIA+ Americans — including nearly 3 in 10 transgender individuals — report they avoid medical treatment because they fear discrimination and 1 in 5 do not feel comfortable enough to pursue healthcare. This suggests the need for an attitude shift toward inclusive, equitable care that is available for all people.

Health partners like Anthem are dedicated to offering simple, intuitive, guided, and personalized care that works for everyone. The Inclusive Care program was developed specifically to provide the right resources to people within the LGBTQIA+ community, delivering support in a way that is sensitive to each person’s unique needs.

Accelerating Access To Inclusive Healthcare

A critical aspect of efficient healthcare delivery is the ability to connect individuals with the appropriate care providers. This means finding doctors who are sensitive to the needs of historically marginalized groups and who approach these patients mindfully.

The Inclusive Care program is an important part of Anthem’s broader Total Health Connections advocacy strategy, which offers a team of dedicated advocates who connect your employees with proven allies, including care providers, educational resources, and community support from individuals who understand their specific health requirements. For example, Nurse Care Managers can offer personalized guidance to those undergoing hormone replacement therapy or gender-affirming surgery, using their years of healthcare experience to help individuals navigate these procedures without bias or judgement.

A Clinical Case Management Team is also available to answer questions and provide education around specialty medicines, hormone therapy, and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This team offers both education and counseling around any potential side effects — because quality of life matters for everyone.

Identifying Care Providers Offering Personalized Support

The Inclusive Care program places a large focus on identifying care providers who self-identify as allies and specialize in addressing the specific concerns of the LGBTQIA+ community, including hormone therapy, plastic surgery, infectious diseases, and behavioral health. One-on-one guidance around topics like gender-affirming care and reassignment surgeries can help answer potential questions, align care with clinical guidelines, and provide ongoing support.

Many of these allies also leverage virtual care, freeing individuals from geographical constraints. This gives the opportunity to connect in a more private setting as employees seek the most appropriate care for their health. By providing the right resources at every step of a person’s health journey, these equitable care providers make sure each individual’s unique health needs are met. 

When care providers and dedicated advocates collaborate to connect individuals with inclusive care and provide appropriate guidance for accessing best-in-class specialists, everyone benefits. Employers could see better health outcomes, lower costs of care, and improved morale in their workforce. Employees can feel confident in their employers, knowing they have access to personalized care resources tailored to their individual needs. 

Explore the options available for your employees with Anthem’s Total Health Connections advocacy strategy.