Statement of Commissioner Lara on Trump Administration reversing LGBTQ health protections
News: 2020 Press Release
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a statement in response to the Trump Administration reversing non-discrimination protections under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. Last year Commissioner Lara authored a letter signed by 18 state insurance commissioners urging the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to withdraw the proposed rules.
“This is a sad day. Despite a warning from 18 state insurance commissioners that eliminating health protections for LGBTQ people is a license to deny life-saving care, the Trump Administration has once again sacrificed the health and safety of vulnerable Americans. With the cynicism of releasing this rule during Pride Month and on the fourth anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando when 49 people were murdered and more than 50 wounded because of bigotry, the Trump Administration's intent to harm our LGBTQ community has never been more clear—particularly our transgender, black, Latino, and immigrant members who may face greater discrimination in health care as a result.”
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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.
