Introduction to SB 923: A Critical Step for Inclusive Healthcare
Senate Bill 923, or the Transgender, Gender Diverse, or Intersex (TGI) Inclusive Care Act, mandates that health plans in California take essential steps to ensure healthcare systems are accessible, affirming, and inclusive for TGI communities. The legislation reflects a growing recognition of the disparities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly people who are gender diverse. Passed into law in September 2022, SB 923 establishes compliance deadlines that all health plans must meet, including:
- Mandatory Training: By February 14, 2025, all healthcare service plan staff in direct contact with enrollees must complete cultural competency training focused on providing trans-inclusive care. The training must be evidence-based and focus on multiple key areas, including:
- The impact of historical and ongoing discrimination against TGI individuals.
- Best practices for using inclusive language, such as correct names and pronouns.
- Addressing health inequities within TGI communities.
- Recommendations for creating welcoming and affirming healthcare environments.
- Affirming Provider Directories: SB 923 requires health plans to include detailed information in their provider directories by March 2025, indicating which in-network providers have affirmed they offer and have provided gender affirming services, such as hormone therapy or gender affirming surgeries.
- Complaint Monitoring: Health plans must track and monitor complaints related to trans-inclusive care and publicly report this data to ensure ongoing compliance with SB 923. The state’s Department of Managed Health Care and Department of Insurance will review complaints and impose sanctions if non-compliance is identified.
The Importance of SB 923 for Health Plans
SB 923 was introduced to tackle the significant disparities LGBTQ+ individuals face in healthcare, particularly those from gender diverse populations. Research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately affected by negative healthcare experiences, leading to profound mistrust of the healthcare system. Consider the following findings from studies conducted by OutCare:
- Less than half of LGBTQ+ individuals report satisfaction with their healthcare provider, with only 17% expressing trust in the overall health system and 15% in their health plans.
- 50% of LGBTQ+ individuals delayed or skipped essential care in the past year, a rate 26% higher than cisgender, heterosexual peers.
- LGBTQ+ individuals are 2.4 times more likely to distrust their health insurer and 2.1 times more likely to express dissatisfaction with in-network providers.
These alarming statistics demonstrate the urgent need for health plans to create more affirming, inclusive environments. SB 923 provides a legislative framework to address these disparities, but health plans must take proactive steps to comply and, more importantly, meet the needs of their TGI members.
How OutCare Can Help: Ensuring Compliance with SB 923
OutCare Health offers a suite of services to help health plans meet the requirements of SB 923, positioning them as leaders in providing equitable and affirming healthcare for TGI populations. Here’s how OutCare can help:
Cultural Competency Training
We offer evidence-based health equity training designed to exceed the requirements outlined in SB 923. Our programs are developed by leaders in LGBTQ+ health equity and are tailored specifically to healthcare providers and staff who engage with TGI individuals. The training covers:
- Inclusive Language and Communication: Teaching healthcare staff how to effectively communicate with TGI individuals, use affirming language, and respect personal pronouns.
- Understanding Health Inequities: Focusing on the unique health disparities faced by TGI populations, such as barriers to mental health services, high rates of chronic illness, and the ongoing effects of social discrimination.
- Practical Approaches for Affirming Care: Equipping healthcare providers with actionable strategies to create welcoming, supportive environments for TGI patients.
Our training modules are customizable to meet the specific needs of health plans and are led by leaders in gender affirming care. These programs have demonstrated measurable success in transforming provider behavior and improving patient experiences. For instance, after completing our training, over 95% of participants report feeling knowledgeable and well-prepared in LGBTQ+ care and equity. Additionally, participants consistently rate the training as well-organized, easy to understand, and effective in facilitating learning, with over 95% praising the expertise and engagement of the presenters.
Training Sample
Affirming Provider Directories and Search Filters
As part of SB 923, health plans are required to update their provider directories to indicate which in-network providers offer gender affirming care. Our team has extensive experience helping healthcare organizations develop and enhance provider directories, ensuring patients can easily find affirming care options. We’ve successfully collaborated with major healthcare organizations, where we helped implement groundbreaking LGBTQ+ affirming provider badges and filters. Impact from these collaborations include:
- Users who applied LGBTQ+ affirming filters were significantly more likely to view provider profiles compared to those using non-LGBTQ+ affirming filters.
- Patients applying LGBTQ+ affirming filters viewed significantly more providers per search session, indicating more intentional and engaged decision-making.
These results underscore the importance of accurate, accessible provider directories. We can work with health plans to establish similar filters and badges, ensuring that TGI individuals can find the affirming care they need.
Ongoing Support and Strategic Consultation
SB 923’s requirements do not end with initial compliance. Ongoing training, complaint monitoring, and reporting are necessary to ensure continuous alignment. We offer strategic consulting services to support health plans in maintaining compliance, including:
- Developing systems to track and monitor complaints related to trans-inclusive care.
- Consulting on updates to training programs to reflect new best practices.
- Ensuring that health plans can demonstrate their compliance to regulatory agencies.
Why Partner with Us?
Partnering with OutCare ensures that health plans meet the requirements of SB 923 and beyond, leveraging our expertise in supporting TGI communities, promoting health equity, and improving outcomes. Our training programs, developed by health equity leaders, have transformed the approach to LGBTQ+ care for numerous healthcare organizations. With a proven track record of enhancing provider directories, increasing patient engagement, and providing ongoing consultation, we help organizations stay compliant with regulations while fostering an affirming healthcare environment for all. Together, we can improve trust, reduce disparities, and ensure equitable care for TGI individuals.
