Advocating for Insurance Coverage of the HPV Vaccine for Boys
GLAD is working to make sure young LGBTQ people live in a world in which they can safely be who they are and be healthy. That means a world free of bullying and harassment, where they can express themselves and form GSAs in schools. And it means a world in which LGBTQ young people have access to health care that meets their needs.
That’s why GLAD recently urged two insurers to cover the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine for boys. The FDA has approved the vaccine for girls 9-26 to protect against cervical cancer and boys of the same age to protect against anal cancer. Young gay men could receive life-saving benefits by receiving the vaccine.
But Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), our state’s largest insurer, covers the vaccine for girls only, not for boys. All three of the other major Massachusetts insurers are now covering this vaccine that prevents a serious disease, anal cancer, for which gay men and people with HIV are at higher risk.
BCBS’ position puts young gay men at unnecessary risk.
If BCBS is your insurer, please take a moment to call them and tell them they should join their competitors in being responsive to the healthcare needs of young gay men.