On Friday, June 12, the four year anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub massacre, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized its revisions to the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Section 1557, also known as the “Health Care Rights Law”. In the midst of a pandemic, these sweeping and targeted revisions revoke important protections for large swaths of people and allow health care and insurance providers to discriminate against LGBTQ people; people seeking reproductive care; people with disabilities; people with limited English proficiency; and immigrants.

By removing prohibitions on discrimination against groups most at risk for STDs, COVID-19, and other health conditions, the Administration is limiting access to coverage and care and undercutting any federal plan to end HIV or prevent further transmission of STDs and COVID-19.

This rule installs additional barriers to communities that already struggle to access STD care, all but guaranteeing that the U.S. STD crisis will continue to worsen at a time when the US is experiencing record rates of STDs across the country.

NCSD stands in firm opposition to this new rule, and we stand with our partners and our members who are fighting for the health of all members of the community they serve. We will continue to advocate for policies that strengthen STD prevention and care, increase access to care, and uphold the rights of people to access care without fear of discrimination.