Expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act has enhanced LGBT+ young people’s ability to access health insurance if they are homeless or low-income. However, because the Supreme Court’s ruled that Medicaid expansion was up to the discretion of the states, many youth have been left behind.
LGBT+ youth are at greater risk of being homeless – anywhere from 9 to 45% of young people who are homeless are LGBT+. Homeless youth are also at significantly enhanced risk of sexual and physical violence. The 19 states that have not expanded their Medicaid program have higher rates of poverty among LGBT+ communities, and among communities of color.
The Affordable Care Act has nevertheless helped many LGBT+ homeless youth who otherwise would have to go without insurance.