Loading...Loading...January 30, 2024
We respect the diverse experiences and expectations across our membership as we work to meet members where they are on their health care journeys and improve health outcomes. Beginning with the 2024 open enrollment period, we’re offering more members the option to self-report race, ethnicity and language (REL), as well as nonbinary gender. This information helps us better understand our members’ needs and bridge health care gaps in underrepresented communities.
Self-reporting of REL data is optional and will be exclusively used to support population health, equitable access to care and quality of care for our members, and as otherwise required by law. Answers aren’t required, and information provided won’t affect member eligibility, plan choices or access to programs.
Currently, we’re able to collect REL data submitted on paper and spreadsheet enrollment forms. We’re continuing to test the accuracy and reliability of REL data collection through our online enrollment platform and are committed to delivering a seamless online experience.
Accurate member gender-identity information plays an important role in supporting health equity and improving outcomes. Transgender and gender-diverse populations have unique needs and face hardships that increase their risk of poor health outcomes.
For 2024 open enrollment, we added the nonbinary gender option for fully insured groups of 51-100; it was added previously for fully insured large (101+) and self-funded groups. We encourage you, your employees and their covered dependents to use the O-Other option intentionally when appropriate. The selection of O-Other can affect an employee or covered dependent’s access to gender-specific clinical programs we offer, such as reminders for breast or cervical cancer screenings.
Please contact your account representative with any questions.