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CA Department of Insurance
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CA Department of Insurance

Commissioner Lara Vows Support for Transgender Californians Despite New Discriminatory Trump Administration Health Rule

News: 2019 Press Release

For Release: May 24, 2019
Media Calls Only: 916-492-3566
Email Inquiries: cdipress@insurance.ca.gov

Commissioner Lara Vows Support for Transgender Californians Despite New Discriminatory Trump Administration Health Rule

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —  California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara responded to the release of the proposed Trump Administration federal rule entitled, “Nondiscrimination in Health and Health Education Programs or Activities.”

“This cynically-titled proposed rule assaults the civil rights of transgender Americans who seek health care. Under this rule, wholesale discrimination would be condoned and permitted by allowing health insurers to design and market their products in a manner that discourages enrollment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.  The rule also seeks to deny those whose primary language is other than English access to information about their health insurance coverage. The California Department of Insurance will vigorously oppose this proposed rule. Despite the ongoing efforts by the Trump Administration to harm vulnerable populations by denying them equal protection, California's strong anti-discrimination laws will continue to be strictly enforced. Anyone who thinks they may be the victim of discrimination by their insurance carrier should contact the Department's Consumer Hotline at 1-800-927-4357.”



Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.

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