Resources that meet members on their gender affirmation journey

At Mass General Brigham Health Plan, we want our members to live their healthiest life in alliance with our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. That’s why we offer gender-affirming care management for members in need of help navigating healthcare, answers to questions, or support during every step of their journey. Continue reading to learn more about our gender affirmation care management program available to members of Mass General Brigham Health Plan.

Our gender affirmation care management program started as a resource for members that were having difficulty navigating the healthcare system for gender-affirming services. We created this program so that members could call our Customer Service Department to learn how to gain access to providers, what services were covered, and answers to questions related to medical policies around gender affirmation. Our care managers can assist members seeking care through our in-network specialists that offer gender affirmation services.

At Mass General Brigham Health Plan, our care managers are available to:

• Collaborate with primary care physicians, members, families, health care providers, social service agencies, and community organizations in developing and executing care management plans for members with complex healthcare needs
• Support and reinforce members in their efforts to adhere to treatment interventions recommended by their healthcare providers
• Educate members and families regarding health risks, preventative health measures, treatment plans, and medications
• Identify and facilitate access to social service agencies, community organizations, patient support groups, and other adjunct services

Meg Flynn, Clinical Manager, Care Management at Mass General Brigham Health Plan, said, "There is a lot of discrimination.  We offer this program to make a positive impact on this community, wherever the member is in their journey.  Whether a member needs support, or just someone to talk to and ask questions, we’re here to listen."

At Mass General Brigham Health Plan, we support members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their healthcare rights. Providers can find several education resources on Optum, including their education program that teaches health care professionals about the unique health care needs and disparities experienced by the LGBTQIA+ community. Optum also created PRIDE365+ which offers resources to educate and support LGBTQIA+ community members and allies in creating open, safe, and respectful working and living environments. In addition, our care managers have been trained to optimize case management for this community. To enroll in our gender affirmation care management program, members can contact our Customer Service Department and ask to be connected to a care manager.

When a member is identified as possibly needing Gender Affirmation support, a member of our team will outreach. If a member confirms they have gender-affirming needs and agrees to care management, we establish a personalized care plan centered around the member’s goals.

Meg added, “It's all about making sure that everybody gets what they need in an accepting, safe, and respectful manner."

Members can also find resources at the Transgender Health Program at Massachusetts General Hospital as well as the Clinical Transgender Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

For more health and wellness education from Mass General Brigham Health Plan, follow us on social @MGBHealthPlan

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