We are absolutely committed to our Oregon transgender members. On June 12, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services removed protections for gender identity and sexual orientation from the Affordable Care Act.
Health Share and its partners view the rollback of these critical civil rights protections as unconscionable, indefensible and antithetical to our collective values. We aspire to be a leader among Oregon’s Coordinated Care Organizations in promoting and sustaining safe, accessible care in all the environments where our members seek health-related services, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation.
In light of our commitment, we have joined with health providers, partners and members from across our community to prioritize improving and standardizing access to transgender services for transgender Oregonians. Health Share will convene this workgroup on a regular and ongoing basis to ensure we identify and eliminate barriers to care for the transgender community.
We are committed because we recognize the importance of not just being open to Oregon transgender members, but supportive, welcoming, positive, and gender-affirming. We believe in our members, and we believe that together, we can help make a critical difference.