Press Releases :: July 17, 2009

Baldwin Provisions in Health Reform Bill Address LGBT Health Disparities

As the House Energy and Commerce Committee began this week to mark-up America’s Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200), Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin was successful in her efforts to add language addressing LGBT health disparities. This includes:

• Helping people with AIDS gain access to drugs under Medicare Part D;
• Ensuring data collection on the health of LGBT populations; and
• Strong non-discrimination provisions to guarantee access to health care for all communities.

“Meaningful health care reform has the potential to transform this country. As Congress considers legislation to make quality health care affordable and accessible, we must ensure that all Americans are included equally in our efforts,” Baldwin said.

While applauding the addition of three of her objectives in the draft health care reform bill, Baldwin explained, “Keep in mind that the bill introduced this week is just a starting point, and much work remains to be done. I am continuing my efforts to see that LGBT Americans are included in health reform and am hopeful that we’ll see more progress as deliberations continue. My quest for an end to LGBT health disparities will continue long after we pass a health care reform bill.”

Baldwin’s effort to end LGBT health disparities have earned the support of the Human Rights Campaign; National Coalition for LGBT Health; The AIDS Institute; Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) National; National Center for Transgender Equality; AIDS Action; American Psychological Association; Mautner Project: The National Lesbian Health Organization; and the National Center for Lesbian Rights.