Addressing Health Care Challenges for Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex (TGI) Californians
SACRAMENTO - Senator Caroline Menjivar (D- San Fernando Valley) and cosponsors of SB 959 released the following statements after the launch of the California Department of Managed Health Care’s Transgender, Gender Diverse, or Intersex Health Care website.
“I moved SB 959 to the inactive file for one of the best reasons a bill author does so, state implementation! Based on SB 959, California has created a website for Transgender, Gender Diverse, or Intersex (TGI) Health Care,” states Senator Caroline Menjivar. “This website guides TGI folks to information on their health care rights and state services, and lists resources for trans-inclusive care and resolving health plan issues. SB 959 was a recommendation of the Project RAINBOW Report, released by a coalition of more than two dozen LGBTQ+ advocate organizations and health care providers aimed at addressing challenges faced by TGI individuals. This website is vital for TGI Californians, as well as those out of state who are denied guidance on their federal rights to affirming health care. Thank you, Governor Newsom and the Department of Managed Health Care, for moving forward on this proposal. Equality California, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, TransFamily Support Services and I will work with the DMHC to fine-tune this website, while also continuing our work to bring more quality comprehensive resources to all TGI Californians. This win is one of many I am committed to achieving in the fight for LGBTQ+ health care competency, inclusion, and equality.”
"Last year, Equality California and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California launched Project Rainbow, a coalition of leading LGBTQ+ advocates and health care providers tasked with developing concrete recommendations to address long standing barriers that prevent TGI Californians from accessing lifesaving health care. SB 959 directly resulted from those recommendations, and we thank Senator Menjivar for championing this important measure,” said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. “We applaud the state’s decision to proactively implement the bill and launch a much-needed website that empowers TGI individuals and their families with the necessary tools and resources to navigate California’s complex health care system, understand their legal rights, and access the essential health care they need. While this resource is an important step forward, much work remains to guarantee that TGI Californians have access to the health care and support they need to live healthy, authentic lives.”
“Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California is thrilled the state has already taken critical action to ensure TGI people have access to the resources and information they need to pursue the health care that is best for them. The creation of this website is a significant step in our collective work to remove barriers that too often inhibit TGI individuals from accessing quality, inclusive, and affordable health care. We look forward to continuing to partner with state leaders and fellow advocates, including Equality California, TransFamily Support Services, and the Project RAINBOW coalition, as we work to build a more equitable and just health care system for ALL people—no matter who they are or how they identify.” – Molly Robson, Vice President of Government Affairs, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California
“TransFamily Support Services is grateful to Senator Menjivar, Governor Newsom, and the Project RAINBOW workgroup for their dedication to advancing the health care rights of our TGI community. While the creation of this website marks a significant step forward, we recognize that there is still much work to be done to ensure it truly serves the needs of transgender, gender diverse, and intersex individuals. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Department of Managed Health Care and other partners to improve the website’s functionality and accessibility, making it the robust resource our community deserves.” - Kathie Moehlig, Executive Director of TransFamily Support Services
Vist: https://www.dmhc.ca.gov/HealthCareinCalifornia/GettheBestCare/TGICare.aspx
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