LGBTQ adults face greater difficulty getting the health care they need and are more likely to struggle to pay for it compared to non-LGBTQ adults, according to a study reported by The Washington Post.
The study found that cost was one of the primary barriers. LGBTQ people reported going without needed care because they could not afford it at higher rates than their non-LGBTQ counterparts. Insurance coverage gaps, high out-of-pocket costs, and limited coverage for gender-affirming care all contributed to the financial strain.
Beyond cost, the study identified discrimination and the shortage of knowledgeable providers as significant obstacles. LGBTQ people, particularly transgender and nonbinary individuals, reported difficulty finding doctors and other health care professionals who were familiar with their specific medical needs or who would treat them with respect. Some reported avoiding care altogether because of past negative experiences in medical settings.
The findings add to a growing body of research documenting health disparities among LGBTQ populations. Studies have consistently shown that LGBTQ people have higher rates of certain mental health conditions, chronic illnesses, and substance use disorders, in part because of minority stress and barriers to care. The new study suggests those disparities are connected to concrete obstacles in the health care system rather than individual health behaviors alone.
Preventive care was also affected. LGBTQ respondents were less likely to have received routine screenings and checkups, which researchers said could lead to conditions being caught at later, harder-to-treat stages.
The study did not focus on a single region or age group, reflecting patterns seen across the country. Researchers pointed to the need for provider training, expanded insurance coverage, and policies that protect LGBTQ patients from discrimination as potential steps toward closing the gaps the data revealed.
