Recently the Supreme Court issued a ruling in the case of 303 Creative v. Elenis, in which the Court was asked whether a website designer could refuse services for LGBTQ+ people based on religious liberty and freedom of speech. The…
There were several important LGBTQ+ health equity and healthcare funding bills that Howard Brown and our community advocated for that passed during the 2023 Illinois General Assembly Legislative Session! While there where many legislative wins this session, there is still…
Recently, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announced that it will be temporarily extending pandemic flexibilities for the prescription of controlled substances, including testosterone, via telehealth. Howard Brown Health commends the DEA for understanding the importance of telehealth in expanding access…
Prior authorization (PA) for treatment of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) creates unnecessary burdens for providers and patients that lead to delayed access to care and worsened health outcomes. Given the high cost of HCV treatment, PA requirements in state Medicaid…
What is the new Title IX Proposed Rule? The Department of Education has released a proposed rule that will require and enforce protections for trans, non-binary, and intersex student athletes under Title IX. The Department of Education makes it clear…
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress required that states keep Medicaid recipients continuously enrolled through the end of the public health emergency. Due to the economic downturn from the pandemic and this provision that prohibited states from disenrolling people from coverage,…
Transgender Day of Visibility takes place each year on March 31st to celebrate transgender and non-binary (TNB) people and to take action against discrimination and transphobia. This year, it is more important than ever to use your voice and stand…
Recently Tennessee enacted the nation’s first “Drag Ban,” prohibiting all drag performances in public or in the presence of minors. Anyone who violates the drag ban could face misdemeanor charges punishable by a fine of $2,500 and/or up to a…
In July 2021, the Chicago City Council passed the Empowering Communities for Public Safety (ECPS) ordinance, which created a new model for police oversight, accountability, and public safety. The ECPS ordinance created District Councils to be comprised of several dozen…
Chicago is having a municipal election on February 28th! This is our opportunity to elect officials who will be responsible for making laws and regulations that affect the safety and health of all Chicagoans. Participating in municipal elections can have…
This legislative session, Howard Brown Health and a group of advocates and providers are supporting a legislation (SB 2427/HB 2280) that would establish cultural competency requirements as part of continuing medical education (CME) for healthcare providers. There is a strong…
Recently, Illinois concluded its lame duck legislative session and several crucial health equity bills supported by Howard Brown Health passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly! Assault weapons ban: Protect Illinois Communities Act (HB 5471) With the increasing number…