Blue Shield and FOLX are expanding healthcare access to the LGBTQ community

Seeing a doctor in the U.S. comes with barriers, whether it's availability, cost or navigation. For LGBTQ-identifying Americans, the path to quality care can be even more challenging — but this healthcare company is working to change that. 

FOLX Health, a digital healthcare provider for the LGBTQ community, is now an in-network provider for eight insurance carriers, including Cigna, Evernorth and Blue Shield of California health plan members. This means queer members under these insurance plans can access primary care, gender-affirming care and mental health care with LGBTQ-friendly doctors. For many in the queer community, this is a game-changer, says Liana Douillet Guzmán, CEO of FOLX Health.

"The percentage of Americans who identify as LGBTQIA+ is increasing, but it is still incredibly challenging for patients to find affirming and inclusive providers," she says. "As a result of the insurance integration, FOLX clinicians are now in-network for millions across the U.S."

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According to a survey by the 19th, a non-profit newsroom focused on gender and politics, 20% of queer respondents experienced discrimination during their medical appointment, and 24% felt they were blamed for their health problems; another 16% report being flat-out denied medical services. Guzmán notes that LGBTQ patients often have to look outside of their insurance network to find care through a provider like FOLX, resulting in higher costs. She hopes these new partnerships eliminate that barrier. 

"Current FOLX members who are in network with these insurance plans, but had previously gone outside of their benefits to gain access to FOLX's affirming providers, will be able to significantly lower their out-out-pocket expenses," says Guzmán. "Patients who can't have out-of-network care now have access to our clinicians' unparalleled expertise with minimal wait times." 

For Blue Shield of California, the partnership represents a big step towards healthcare equity. As anti-LGBTQ legislation continues to target healthcare access, it's only become more crucial to expand accessibility for the queer community, underlines Krishna Ramachandran, senior VP of health transformation and provider adoption at Blue Shield.

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"Our mission is for all Californians to have access to high-quality healthcare at an affordable price," he says. "We want more providers that represent our members and the diversity of our population."

Ramachandran also emphasizes the importance of FOLX offering digital care options, which could be life-changing for rural plan members. He notes that Blue Shield's core strategy is centered on "health reimagined" — rethinking how insurers, providers and patients interact with the healthcare system. Ramachandran believes partnerships with providers like FOLX are vital if Blue Shield wants to expand accessibility.

"This strategy will help us transform the healthcare system to make it worthy of our family and friends," he says. "We know FOLX can create comfortable, affirming spaces for our members."

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This latest wave of partnerships may indicate a trend, one where carriers are truly considering how to put their members at the forefront of their strategies by working with newer, tech-driven healthcare companies. Either way, millions of plan members just gained access to potentially vital care for themselves and their families. 

"This not only reduces out-of-pocket expenses for current FOLX members but also extends access to individuals living in care deserts who previously couldn't find in-network providers," says Guzmán. "By lowering wait times and enhancing the overall healthcare experience, FOLX Health is actively breaking down barriers to quality care within the LGBTQIA+ community."