Posted on Thursday, February 13, 2025
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by The Association of Mature American Citizens
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0 Comments
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Medicare beneficiaries will no longer have to answer questions about their sexual orientation and gender identity. Here’s what changed:
CMS Drops Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Questions
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the removal of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) questions from Medicare enrollment forms. This change aligns with Executive Order 14168 (“Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government”).
Effective immediately, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans should prepare for this update. While CMS revises the enrollment forms, plans should continue using previous versions that do not include SOGI questions. This ensures a smooth transition without delays in processing applications.
What This Means for Medicare Enrollment
- SOGI Data Removal: Questions about sexual orientation and gender identity will no longer appear on Medicare enrollment forms.
- Use of Prior Forms: Until CMS finalizes new forms, plans should rely on the latest versions that exclude SOGI-related questions.
- Regulatory Compliance: Plans must adhere to CMS guidelines and avoid requesting this information from applicants.
When Did SOGI Questions Begin on Medicare Forms?
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) questions were added to some Medicare enrollment and healthcare-related forms in 2021, during the Biden administration. This was billed as a federal effort to improve “healthcare equity” for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. While the inclusion of SOGI questions was supposedly aimed at identifying disparities and improving access to care, many Americans found them invasive and unnecessary.
Why Is CMS Making This Change?
This decision follows Executive Order 14168, which removes gender ideology-based policies from federal programs. In that order, Trump affirms that “it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female” and that “these sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality.”
For further details, visit cms.gov.
Read full article here
