TITONE: COLORADO LEADING THE WAY ON LGBTQ+ HEALTH CARE

DENVER, CO — Representative Brianna Titone, one of the first transgender lawmakers elected in the country, today released the following statement after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved Colorado’s request to include comprehensive coverage for gender affirming health care in the state’s benchmark health insurance plans, making Colorado the first state in the country to do so.

“Every person deserves access to the full range of health services they need, and I’m proud that Colorado is leading the way to cover comprehensive care for LGBTQ+ people in our state,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “For too long, too many transgender and nonbinary people have struggled to access the health care they need, despite having health insurance. These services are critical for the health and safety of LGBTQ+ communities and will provide more Coloradans with the agency they need to affirm their identities.”

The plans approved today also include coverage for alternatives to opioid medications to help address substance use disorder, which was required through HB21-1276, legislation sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Leslie Herod. The plans also include coverage for an annual mental health wellness exam, which was established through HB21-1068, legislation sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Brianna Titone. Affordable Care Act insurance plans are offered through Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s marketplace for individual and small group plans.