Pride Month is a time that holds deep significance for the LGBTQI+ community, celebrating resilience, visibility, and strides towards equality. It’s also a moment to reflect on the challenges that are present, including disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Discrimination, financial barriers, and heightened health risks like HIV, STIs, and mental health issues persist, underscoring the ongoing struggle for equitable healthcare.
The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes these challenges and is committed to ensuring that all LGBTQI+ individuals have fair access to essential healthcare services. Many older LGBTQI+ folks with Medicare have shared their struggles in affording prescription medications, often forced to make difficult choices between life-saving drugs and other necessities due to skyrocketing costs of these drugs.
President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which lowers prescription drug costs, marks a significant step forward in alleviating these financial burdens. This new law is already lowering prescription drug costs, and in 2025, all Part D Medicare enrollees will see a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on drug costs, offering substantial savings for older LGBTQI+ adults who rely on expensive medications for conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
The President’s lower cost prescription drug law is a game-changer, especially for the LGBTQI+ community. Imagine paying only $35 a month for insulin – that’s huge! Many LGBTQI+ adults face higher rates of diabetes compared to others, so these savings are a lifeline. Plus, it’s a step toward health equity, making sure everyone, regardless of who they love or how they identify, can afford the medications they need to stay healthy.
The President’s efforts to improve health outcomes for the LGBTQI+ community extend beyond financial assistance. Recent rulemaking and guidance makes it clear, when it comes to healthcare, no one should face discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. The Administration for Community Living has also designated LGBTQI+ and HIV+ older adults as a population of greatest social need under the Older Americans Act, ensuring targeted support for those who need it most.
As we celebrate Pride Month, it’s essential to acknowledge the strides made in advancing LGBTQI+ healthcare rights. President Biden’s initiatives are not just fulfilling promises but are affirming the administration’s steadfast commitment to inclusivity and equality in healthcare. With ongoing advocacy and the implementation of policies that promote fair access to healthcare, we pave the way towards a healthier, more inclusive society where all LGBTQI+ individuals can thrive.
