Kevin Knauss: Health, History, Travel, Insurance
Blue Shield has added a gender identity category to align with the new state law even though health insurance companies are not required to do so. As an organization, Blue Shield recognizes our members whose gender identity is female, male or nonbinary. We want to honor any employee, and member their wish to be recorded as the gender they identify with.
An investigation by CDI found that certain insurers are denying coverage, or offering Life, Disability Income or Long-Term Care Insurance coverage under different conditions, to Truvada/PrEP users.
When I first read about the OutBüro Care+Plan, with its rainbow and transgender flags prominently displayed in the brochure, I was excited about a health program that focused on the unique health care needs of the LGBTQ+ community. I erroneously thought that the doctors and other providers would all be LGBTQ+ understanding and welcoming. Unfortunately, the more I read the brochure and saw the companies involved, I could see this was just the old discount plan gift wrapped in a rainbow flag.
