Colorado Becomes First to Explicitly Include Gender-Affirming Care in Benchmark Health Insurance Plan
Open enrollment for health insurance is underway in Colorado, and the Division of Insurance released a guide detailing which plans cover essential services. Included in tthe guide are details on access to gender-affirming care and HIV prevention and treatment.
Comprehensive Care is Key to Well-being
“Access to comprehensive, inclusive and affirming healthcare is a cornerstone of well-being for the LGBTQ+ community,” stated Nadine Bridges, executive director of LGBTQ+ advocacy organization One Colorado,
Individuals and small businesses—those with 99 or fewer employees—can purchase plans through Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s marketplace. Six providers offer plans: Anthem, Cigna, Denver Health, Kaiser Permanente, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, and Select Health.
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According to Nadine Bridges, what impact is Colorado’s decision expected to have on the physical and mental health of transgender and non-binary individuals in the state?
## Colorado Paves the Way: Gender-Affirming Care Now Covered in Benchmark Health Plans
**(Denver, CO)** – Colorado has taken a monumental step towards inclusivity, becoming the first state to explicitly include gender-affirming care in its benchmark health insurance plan. This landmark decision comes as open enrollment for health insurance begins, with the Division of Insurance releasing a comprehensive guide detailing covered essential services, including access to gender-affirming care and HIV prevention and treatment.
To discuss the significance of this landmark move, we’re joined by Nadine Bridges, executive director of One Colorado, a leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. Nadine, welcome to the show.
**INTERVIEWER:** Nadine, can you tell us what makes this decision by Colorado so significant for the LGBTQ+ community?
**NADINE BRIDGES:** This is a monumental victory for LGBTQ+ Coloradans. Access to comprehensive, inclusive, and affirming healthcare is truly a cornerstone of well-being for our community.
For too long, transgender and non-binary individuals have faced barriers to accessing the gender-affirming care they need. This decision sends a powerful message that Colorado values the health and well-being of all its residents, regardless of gender identity.
**INTERVIEWER:** Can you elaborate on the types of gender-affirming care that will now be covered under these benchmark plans?
**NADINE BRIDGES:** This coverage encompasses a range of essential services, including hormone therapy, mental health counseling, and surgeries, all provided in a safe and affirming environment.
**INTERVIEWER:** How do you believe this move will impact transgender and non-binary individuals in Colorado?
**NADINE BRIDGES:** This will have a profound impact. We anticipate a significant decrease in financial barriers to care, leading to improved physical and mental health outcomes for transgender and non-binary Coloradans. Simply knowing that they have access to the care they need will reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
**INTERVIEWER:** This is certainly a progressive step for Colorado. Do you think other states will follow suit?
**NADINE BRIDGES:** I truly hope so. We’re seeing a growing recognition across the country that gender-affirming care is essential healthcare. Colorado is setting a powerful example, and I believe it will inspire other states to prioritize the health and well-being of their transgender and non-binary residents.
**INTERVIEWER:** Nadine Bridges, thank you for joining us today and sharing your insights on this important development.
**NADINE BRIDGES:** Thank you for having me.
**(End Interview)**
