Welcome to All Care Providers | FAQs
Q | What are some of the barriers trans and gender-expansive people face when accessing healthcare?
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Trans and gender-expansive people may face stigma, misgendering, and discrimination in healthcare settings, which can lead them to delay or avoid seeking care.
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Many trans people experience financial hardship which can limit their access to care.
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Anti-transgender policies can restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare.
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Insurance companies may deny coverage for needed gender-affirming treatments and procedures.
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Trans people may have limited social support to help them access services and navigate the healthcare system.
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Bakko M, Kattari SK. Differential Access to Transgender Inclusive Insurance and Healthcare in the United States: Challenges to Health across the Life Course. J Aging Soc Policy. 2021;33(1):67-81. doi:10.1080/08959420.2019.1632681
Catlett L, Simmons A, Williams IC, et al. Multilevel Factors Affecting Health Equity for Transgender and Gender Diverse Older Adults. Qual Health Res. Published online June 11, 2025:10497323251342162. doi:10.1177/10497323251342162
Rastogi A, Menard L, Miller G, et al. Health and Wellbeing: A Report of the 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey. Published online 2025. https://ustranssurvey.org/download-reports/
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Q | How can I support the health and wellbeing of the trans person or people I’m caring for?
Respect. Treating trans and gender-expansive people with respect shows them you see their value as human beings. It also helps to build a relationship of trust which is essential for caregiving. Using their pronouns and chosen name, understanding their unique physical and mental health needs, and showing compassion are just a few ways you can support the health and well-being of a trans or gender-expansive person.
Gender-affirming care means care providers respect me as an individual exactly the same as they respect anyone else who comes in. (trans woman, participant in the SAFEage study)
__________
Catlett L, Simmons A, Williams IC, et al. Multilevel Factors Affecting Health Equity for Transgender and Gender Diverse Older Adults. Qual Health Res. Published online June 11, 2025:10497323251342162. doi:10.1177/10497323251342162
Q | How can I be an advocate for the trans person or people I’m caring for?
To advocate for trans and gender-expansive people in healthcare settings, consider the following options:
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Offer support during medical appointments or in the hospital and be a voice for their needs if they are not able to advocate for themselves.
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Educate healthcare providers, medical staff, and community members about gender identity and transgender health.
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Engage in lawful protests and community activism for trans rights.
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Message lawmakers or give testimony during legislative sessions.
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Sources
Bakko M, Kattari SK. Differential Access to Transgender Inclusive Insurance and Healthcare in the United States: Challenges to Health across the Life Course. J Aging Soc Policy. 2021;33(1):67-81. doi:10.1080/08959420.2019.1632681
Catlett L, Simmons A, Williams IC, et al. Multilevel Factors Affecting Health Equity for Transgender and Gender Diverse Older Adults. Qual Health Res. Published online June 11, 2025:10497323251342162. doi:10.1177/10497323251342162
Rastogi A, Menard L, Miller G, et al. Health and Wellbeing: A Report of the 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey. Published online 2025. https://ustranssurvey.org/download-reports/