WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Marie Newman (IL-03), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Jennifer Wexton (VA-10), the Co-Chairs of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus’ Transgender Equality Task Force, led 35 of their colleagues in expressing their support for changes proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to more effectively implement Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Among other provisions, the proposed rule makes clear that Sec. 1557 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. In their letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, the Members express strong support for this and other LGBTQI+ protections included in the proposed rule and provide additional recommendations to ensure the final rule delivers the strongest protections possible for LGBTQI+ people.

“Discrimination of any kind must never be tolerated, especially when it comes to Americans seeking vital healthcare services. Yet, every day, LGBTQI+ Americans are denied access to life saving and affirming care simply for being who they are or who they love. As the proud mom of a transgender daughter this is deeply personal for me. That is why we must get the rules and regulations enforcing section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act right,” said Congresswoman Newman. “As we celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month this October, we applaud the Biden administration for putting forth a strong proposed rule, but we urge them to further clarify certain provisions and definitions to ensure there is no ambiguity that could be exploited to deny essential care.”

“As the proud mom of an incredible transgender kid, I am so grateful for President Biden’s leadership to advance the rights of all LGBTQI+ people,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “Equal access to health care is a matter of life and death — and strengthening Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act will save countless lives. This could not be more urgent at a time when extremist Republicans across the country are attacking LGBTQI+ rights, banning lifesaving care for trans youth, and discriminating against trans people by denying public health benefits. We must continue the fight for equitable health care and to protect the lives of our LGBTQI+ friends, family, and neighbors.”

“Discrimination and mistreatment of LGBTQ+ people in our health care system is all too common, jeopardizing the community’s health and well-being and forcing many to go without the care they need and deserve,” said Congresswoman Wexton. “The Biden administration’s new proposed rule to affirm the right of LGBTQ+ people to freely access health care is a crucial step to advancing the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ Americans. I’m proud to join my co-chairs of the Transgender Equality Task Force, Reps. Marie Newman and Pramila Jayapal, in leading this letter to urge that the administration implement the strongest possible protections against wrongful and hateful discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.”.”

“Too often, LGBTQI+ people and other minorities experience discrimination in healthcare, preventing them from receiving the care they need and deserve,” said Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Chair of the Equality Caucus. “The Biden Administration’s proposed rule explicitly clarifies that Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act prohibits discrimination against LGBTQI+ people in healthcare, and this rule, once finalized, will greatly aid our efforts to combat this illegal discrimination. Trans and nonbinary Americans face especially high rates of discrimination in healthcare, and I am grateful to our Transgender Equality Task Force Co-Chairs for leading this effort to address the injustices that too many members of the LGBTQI+ community face.”

To view the letter, click here.

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