The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has updated its consumer portal, HealthCare.gov, to include information on health insurance coverage options for same-sex couples. The Health Plan Finder tool on HealthCare.gov allows consumers to compare the cost sharing and benefit choices of health plans and choose the best option to meet their needs. As a part of the plan finder update, domestic partners, including same-sex couples, can now filter plans that offer coverage for all members of their family.
Gay and lesbian couples can be legally married in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and the District of Columbia. Another five states (Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, and Rhode Island) recognize civil unions between same-sex couples, and another nine states (California, Colorado, Maryland, Maine, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin) recognize domestic partnerships that include same-sex couples. As of this week, there have been judicial and legislative actions moving towards marriage equality in California and Washington.
Unfortunately, there is no updated information on HealthCare.gov on health care insurance options for transgender individuals, who usually are subject to health insurance exclusions and denials, even for treatments and procedures found medically necessary by their health care providers.
Ignatius Bau 