Resource Topics

Health Care & Health Insurance

Receiving timely, sensitive health care is vital for your health and our community. Lack of health insurance, high costs, and lack of provider competence with GBTQ people may prevent us from accessing care.

Gay and bi men face higher rates of HIV/STIs, mental health problems, tobacco use, and drug and alcohol problems. Transgender individuals have a high prevalence of HIV/STIs, victimization, mental health issues, and suicide and are less likely to have health insurance. Elderly GBTQ individuals face additional health barriers because of isolation and a lack of social services and culturally competent providers.

Now there are more options for health insurance due to the Affordable Care Act. There are plenty of resources to help you sign up for health insurance. Talk to friends about finding health care providers who cater to GBTQ folks or see the resources below. If you have health insurance, check their website for providers who have GBTQ specialties.

Find local resources in

Find local resources in

Find health insurance in Washington State

Site weare1 300x210 heathcare insurance wa healthplanfinder

Washington State online resource to sign up for health insurance, including Medicaid

NW LGBT Senior Care Providers Network

Site senior care providers network

Northwest LGBT Senior Care Providers Network is an informal network of senior care providers of all kinds working together to provide advocacy and quality of care for the LGBT seniors of Washington State.

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Site wastatecapitol1

The Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner protects insurance consumers and oversees the insurance industry. We answer questions and investigate problems for more than 100,000 people and maintain a statewide network of volunteers who advise consumers on health-coverage issues.

Center for MultiCultural Health

Site weare1 300x210 heathcare insurance guycouple

Provides assistance signing up for Medicaid and other health insurance plans

Public Health Centers in King County

Site weare1 300x210 heathcare insurance doctor

Quality health care, free or sliding fees

Find health insurance in King County

Site weare1 300x210 heathcare insurance coverageishere

Get personal or online help in King County

Public Health Clinics in King County

Site weare1 300x210 heathcare insurance publichealthclinic kingcounty

Some offer HIV/STD testing and treatment, some are primary care clinics

The Q Card

Site qcard

The Q Card is a simple and easy-to-use communication tool designed to empower LGBTQ youth to become active participants in their healthcare, and to educate providers about how to be better advocates and allies for young LGBTQ patients.

King County Trans* Resource & Referral Guide

Site trans rsource guide

A comprehensive source of information and local resources for physical, mental, and social well-being for trans* community members, and how to advocate for change. Click here to download the full guide.

More Information

Trans Health

Information about transitioning, finding providers, and trans-specific health issues

How to Tell Your Provider You Are GBTQ

Honesty will improve your health care

Find a GBTQ-Friendly Provider

How to find a doctor you can trust who is gay, bi, trans, queer, or an ally.