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FOLX Health Promises Continued Healthcare Access and Support for Trans Community as Federal Judge Blocks SB 254 in Florida
While the Ruling Marks a Huge Win for the Trans Community, The Fight Isn’t Over as Provision Still Requires In Person Consent Form
BOSTON, MA - June 12, 2024 -- FOLX Health, the first of its kind, nationwide LGBTQIA+ digital healthcare service provider, issued a statement amidst the recent ruling that Senate Bill 254 in Florida – which introduced restrictive requirements for gender-affirming care for both transgender youth and adults – was found unconstitutional and unlawfully targeted transgender people. While this ruling marks a milestone for the LGBTQIA+ community and the fight against discrimination, there is still a fight to be won in fair access to healthcare, as the court ruling indicated that a provision of the bill requiring in-person consent forms for gender affirming care is enforceable.
“The ruling on Senate Bill 254 is a major victory for our community, affirming the importance of equality and justice in healthcare," said Chief Clinical Officer of FOLX Health, Kate Steinle. “However, our work is far from over. Discrimination in healthcare continues to pose substantial barriers for the LGBTQIA+ community. The provision that requires an in-person consent form is not medically necessary and increases risk of discrimination or care avoidance for patients. At FOLX, we remain steadfast in our commitment to breaking down these barriers and ensuring access to gender-affirming care for all. We will not stop fighting until every individual has the healthcare they deserve, free from prejudice and discrimination."
Since the implementation of Senate Bill 254 in 2023, FOLX has provided gender-affirming care to thousands of adults in Florida. Through a swift update to services to meet legal requirements and the establishment of eight care hubs in Florida, FOLX was able to ensure uninterrupted access to life-saving healthcare needs for patients who transferred care to FOLX.
At the time, patients switching care due to the clinic closures or policy changes reported twice the rate of suicidal ideation and a 50% higher rate of moderate or severe anxiety compared to others. Additionally, 40% of patients have avoided seeking care due to fear of discrimination linked to their gender identity. These statistics reinforce how telehealth can be transformational in minimizing discrimination and reducing mental health rates for the community.
“I think starting hormone replacement therapy really saved my life,” a Florida-based FOLX Health member said. “When Ron Desantis passed transphobic bills in Florida, I felt like I was alone, and would never be able to be who I wanted to be. FOLX was there to provide me with support and find ways to work against the bill and help me, and for that I am so grateful. I truly appreciate the support from this company and I think it really saved my life.”
While the state plans to appeal the ruling, FOLX Health remains vigilant of potential policy changes and steadfast in continuing its support and commitment to overcome obstacles in access to comprehensive and affirming healthcare.
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About FOLX Health
Launched in December 2020, FOLX Health is an LGBTQIA+ healthcare service provider built to serve the community's specific needs. The company delivers a new standard of healthcare that's built to serve LGBTQIA+ people, rather than treat them as problems to be solved. FOLX Health provides end-to-end virtual primary care, mental health care, gender-affirming care, care navigation, and community through a diverse network of LGBTQIA+ specialized providers. In January 2021, FOLX Health established the FOLX HRT Care Fund which redistributes financial resources from allies inside and outside of the LGBTQIA+ community to support trans, nonbinary, and intersex folks to access gender-affirming care through FOLX.
PRESS CONTACT:
FOLX Health
Folxhealth@autumncommunications.com
