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Valley Health Plan

Commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and better health for all

young black doctor wearing glasses appointment with male same sex couple

 

Valley Health Plan (VHP), the public health plan for the County of Santa Clara, reaffirms its commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and transgender equality.

On June 12, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a final rule that largely removes gender identity and sexual orientation from nondiscrimination protection under the existing provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). VHP believes these changes could lead to discriminatory practices in healthcare, such as the denial of care to transgender and gender-expansive patients.

VHP’s mission is to ensure high-quality and affordable health care for all plan members, and we will continue to provide equitable and inclusive health plan coverage and services to our LGBTQIA+ members as well as advocate for all members to be treated with respect and understanding.

VHP upholds the County’s healthcare mission best described as “Better Health for All,” and as County employees, community members, and friends and family of those who may be vulnerable, we believe it is our responsibility to support social and political progress—to work together to transform the culture, laws, and policies that contribute to structural discrimination, health disparities, and other injustices.

On June 15, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which makes it illegal for employers to discriminate because of a person’s sex, also covers sexual orientation and transgender status. This is a major victory for workers’ rights.

We look forward to better days ahead when federal policy comports with the highest ideals of our nation not only in employment but also healthcare, housing, education, and all other areas.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Valley Health Plan (VHP) does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other classification prohibited by state or federal laws.  

Available assistance includes:

  • Free aids and services to individuals with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as:
    • Qualified sign language interpreters
    • Written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic, etc.)
  • Free language services to individuals whose primary language is not English, such as:
    •  ​​Qualified interpreters
    • Written information in other languages​