Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is one of the government's most effective tools to guarantee access to and coverage of health care in a non-discriminatory manner. This section prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in any health program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. Individuals can choose to file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at any time, regardless of whether the health program or activity is carried out by a beneficiary, Department, or Title I entity. In addition to this, changing the focus from coverage for undocumented people to funding uncompensated care may be a more feasible approach at a time when immigration has become an issue.
The proposed paragraph (b) prohibits a covered entity from denying or limiting health services requested for the purpose of providing gender-affirming care that the covered entity would provide to a person for other purposes if the denial or limitation is based on the sex of the patient assigned at birth, gender identity, or otherwise registered gender. Article 92.8 (c) proposed by the Department provides a mechanism for patients to submit complaints of discrimination directly to their respective healthcare providers. The ACA also prohibited discrimination on the basis of sex, including gender identity; it described the requirements for equal access to programs on the basis of sex; and it explicitly prohibited discrimination in health-related insurance and other health-related coverage, including the prohibition of categorical exclusions of care related to the gender transition in health insurance coverage and other health-related coverage. The proposed standard applies the general obligation to take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access and focuses on the measures that the covered entity must take in relation to each person in the area of health care.
In addition, it prohibited discrimination on the basis of sex, including gender identity; it described the requirements for equal access to programs on the basis of sex; and it explicitly prohibited discrimination in health-related insurance and other health-related coverage, including the prohibition of categorical exclusions of care related to the gender transition in health insurance coverage and other health-related coverage. A covered entity must not exclude participation in its health programs and activities, deny benefits, or discriminate against a person in its health programs and activities on the basis of their respective race, color, nationality, sex, age, or disability with whom they have a relationship or association. As used in this preamble, “health plan” or “plan” may include health insurance coverage offered in group and individual markets, group health plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D plans, and Medicaid plans subject to this proposed rule. A) In providing or managing health insurance or other health-related coverage, a covered entity must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
The South Carolina Bar Association plays a critical role in providing assistance by using volunteer attorneys in various areas of the state for education, wills clinics and “Ask a Lawyer” programs aimed at the elderly population or appropriate for caregivers.
Resources for Limited English Proficiency Individuals Seeking Health Care in Greenwood
For individuals with Limited English Proficiency seeking health care in Greenwood SC there are several resources available. Section 1557 of the ACA provides protection against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability when accessing healthcare services. This means that individuals should not be denied access to healthcare services due to their limited English proficiency.In addition to this protection provided by Section 1557 there are also resources available through organizations such as The South Carolina Bar Association which provides assistance by using volunteer attorneys in various areas of the state for education and “Ask a Lawyer” programs aimed at individuals with limited English proficiency. The ACA also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex including gender identity when accessing healthcare services. This means that individuals should not be denied access to healthcare services due to their gender identity. Furthermore Article 92.8 (c) proposed by the Department provides a mechanism for patients to submit complaints of discrimination directly to their respective healthcare providers.
