Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Statement on the Administration’s Final Rule to Remove Discrimination Protections

WASHINGTON – Today, CEO and President of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Scott P. Serota issued the following statement in response to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights’ final rule regarding the section 1557 provision of the Affordable Care Act, which is meant to prohibit discrimination in health programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. 

“We disagree profoundly with the administration’s final rule removing protections from discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy status. We have always strongly supported access to high-quality health care services for everyone, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or disability. We believe everyone should have access to health care, no matter who they are, where they live or what their health condition may be. No one should have to fear experiencing discrimination when accessing health services.”
 

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.