Cite this Response
Alice! Health Promotion. "How can I get LGBTQ+ health care without using my parent’s insurance?." Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University, 01 Jan. 2025, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/how-can-i-get-lgbtq-health-care-without-using-my-parents-insurance. Accessed 04, Jan. 2025.
Alice! Health Promotion. (2025, January 01). How can I get LGBTQ+ health care without using my parent’s insurance?. Go Ask Alice!, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/how-can-i-get-lgbtq-health-care-without-using-my-parents-insurance.
Dear Alice,
How can someone receive LGBTQ+ care if they are under 26 but cannot use their parent's insurance because of negative parental attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people?
Dear Reader,
Being able to be on your parents’ insurance before you’re 26 can be a blessing. But it can also come with a catch—insurance holders (your parents) are privy to information about health care services to anyone who’s on their plan. That said, you can explore many different ways of receiving care without your parents’ knowledge. One example could be to contact your insurance provider to find out about privacy protection options. Read on for more information!
What does insurance billing reveal about health care services provided?
After a health care appointment, health insurance companies send documents called an explanation of benefits (EOBs) to the insurance holder. EOBs detail the type of health care that you received, who provided it, and when you received it.
Since you’re on your parents’ plan, this information will be sent to them. This might concern you if you’re receiving care that you don’t want your parents to know about.
Are there ways to get around your parents knowing what health care services you received?
Depending on where you live, you might be able to keep your care private. Some states allow dependents to request that EOBs are sent to them instead of the insurance holders and have certain services, like STI testing, remain confidential.
It’s important to note that even across states, the ability to request EOBs be sent to you may depend on your age. In some states minors can request it, but in others it only applies to people over 18. To find out whether these rules apply to your state, consider checking a state policies chart. You can also speak directly with your insurance provider—the number can often be found on the back of your insurance card.
What questions could you ask your insurance provider?
If you decide to speak with your insurance company about your concerns, you might ask questions like:
- “Can my parents see any details about what kind of care I receive or where I receive treatment?”
- “Can I have my EOBs sent only to me?”
- “Is it possible to keep information private unless I ask for it to be released?”
- “Can my parents request information without my permission?”
- “Can I change my address on the plan?”
Speaking with your health insurance provider before scheduling an appointment may help you ensure that you can maintain your privacy.
What care can you receive without using your parents’ insurance?
If you’re looking to receive LGBTQ+ care, you may be able to find clinics that will provide that care while using a sliding scale or other payment options. Additionally, many care providers may provide services often associated with LGBTQ+ care, such as STI testing, gender affirming care (GAC), mental health, and primary care. Calling these locations in advance might help you determine whether you can receive the type of treatment you want there and what the associated costs may be if you’re not paying through your insurance.
In addition to seeking out clinics or providers who can provide LGBTQ+ support, you might consider going to community health clinics, walk-in clinics or urgent care centers. At these sites, you may not need to make an appointment. However, they will often still require some form of payment. Again, it may be helpful to call ahead to get more information about cost and payment plans.
If you want to avoid high out-of-pocket costs and don’t feel like you’re in an emergency situation, you can look into low-cost clinics nearby. You can do this by exploring this website with free and charitable clinics. If you want specific resources for low-cost or free STI testing (including HIV testing), access to PrEP, and more, feel free to check out:
If you're 18 or older and have your own income, you may consider getting your own insurance. This means you’d be the only one with access to your health information. If you’re interested in holding your own insurance, consider checking out Out2Enroll, a resource that specifically helps LGBTQ+ people get health insurance.
Best of luck in finding LGBTQ+ care that’s conscientious about maintaining your privacy!