The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) issued the proposed regulations that take critical steps toward realizing the promise of Section 1557 in ending sex discrimination in health care.  Sex discrimination in health care results in women paying more for health care, receiving improper diagnoses more frequently, being provided less effective treatments, and sometimes being denied care altogether.  Further, numerous surveys, studies, and reports have documented the widespread discrimination experienced by LGBT individuals and their families in the health system.  In response, the ACA included broad protections against sex discrimination in health programs and activities, with Section 1557, which prohibits discrimination in federally funded and operated health programs and activities, as the cornerstone of this protection.  Strong regulations implementing Section 1557, paired with robust enforcement, are necessary to ensure that all women can access affordable, quality health care.

We appreciate the efforts by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) to end discrimination in health care. Following the recommendations set forth above will ensure that Section 1557 provides strong anti-discrimination protections.