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YOUR RIGHT TO EQUALITY IN HEALTH CARE IS PROTECTED BY MARYLAND LAW. 

If your needs are not being met by your health plan or health insurance company, contact H-CAT to get help. 

• Maryland-regulated health plans and health insurance companies cannot discriminate or deny you health care coverage based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex. 
• These health plans must treat all married couples the same, including adding a same-sex spouse and children to family coverage. 
• Maryland law protects LGBTQIA+ persons’ right to health care, including gender-affirming care and treatment for pre-existing conditions like HIV if medically necessary. 
• These health plans can’t exclude coverage for medically necessary gender-affirming services. Maryland Medicaid, for example, covers care such as hormone therapy, voice surgery, hair removal, fertility preservation, top and other gender-affirming surgery, and reversal of prior procedures. 
• Providers have protections too under the Maryland Trans Shield Act, which identifies gender-affirming care as legally protected health care. 
• If your health plan or health insurance company denies a claim, you always have the right to appeal it. 
  

Get free help with your health coverage! ​

The Maryland Insurance Administration has a Health Coverage Assistance Team (H-CAT) to assist consumers. If you have questions or concerns about health coverage for you or your loved ones, the H-CAT staff is here for you. 

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