LGBTQ+ HEALTH EQUITY: What actions can we take in the face of challenges?

In today's society, health issues for the LGBTQ+ community are once again at the forefront of public attention. From gender-affirming care restrictions to unequal access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) for same-sex couples, these issues are being discussed at the state and national level. However, these are just the tip of the iceberg, and the many barriers LGBTQ+ people face in accessing basic health care should not be a contentious political or cultural issue. It is an issue of equity that deserves everyone's attention and support.

Colin Quinn, President of Community at Included Health, is part of the LGBTQ+ community and understands the challenges this group faces in healthcare. He and his team are committed to improving equity of care for underserved patient populations, and are doing so by creating organizations like Included Health.

! [Colin Quinn of Inclusive Health](https://abuwjaawap.cloudimg.io/v7/_lgbtqnation-assets_/assets/2024/03/quinn.jpg?auto=format&auto=compress&fit=crop& gravity=smart&w=1200&h=805)

Barriers to health care for the LGBTQ+ community include, but are not limited to, high-profile issues such as gender-affirming care and in vitro fertilization. These groups often experience a variety of healthcare barriers, including routine primary and preventive care, mental health care, and skilled nursing care, and a recent national survey of insured workers in the U.S. conducted by Included Health and YouGov found that LGBTQ+ communities are more likely to have difficulty understanding their health benefits, medical costs, and billing. These issues lead to delayed or skipped care, which in turn leads to more serious health problems.

To address these issues, employers and health insurers need to take proactive action. They should work to identify health disparities, build diverse provider networks, and provide wrap-around support. In addition, LGBTQ+ individuals and our allies need to play a role in advocating for these resources and supports.

The politicization of LGBTQ+ health issues is frightening and frustrating, but we shouldn't lose sight of what we can control and act on today. If the LGBTQ+ community, employers, and insurance companies unite around health equity, there is so much we can accomplish together that will have a direct impact on the lives of millions of LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as our workplaces and entire communities.

Colin Quinn's experience and efforts remind us that in order to achieve true health equity, we need to work together, whether as individuals, taxpayers, employees, or employers. Let's work together to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare environment for the LGBTQ+ community.