Finding trust in healthcare and equality for all

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By Chandra Wilson 

Getting proper healthcare can prove a challenge for many. That challenge becomes even greater for those in the transgender community, who, due to family and societal pressures, may find themselves without access to health care or living without the social supports and resources that many of us take for granted. 

SelectHealth, a specialized Medicaid plan from VNSNY CHOICE, is dedicated to painting a new picture of health and empowerment for members of New York’s transgender community, or those who are homeless and/or living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. 

For Trust Robinson, a transgender Bronx resident, helping others is a calling. A way to step up and support members of the community he knows so well. As an Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator with SelectHealth, Robinson looks forward to the day when gender and identity have nothing to do with access to health information, culturally competent medical care and preventive wellness regimes aligned with a person’s unique health profile.

“When I look in the mirror, I have two eyes, a nose, a mouth, 10 fingers and 10 toes – I’m human – transgender people are human,” he explained. “We’re also somebody’s child. We have parents. We’re somebody’s kid but people treat us like we’re garbage.”

As a transgender man, Robinson has a unique perspective that helps him talk openly with gender non-conforming members of the community who may face personal and social obstacles to care.

“When it comes to relationships and emotions, my personal experience has taught me a lot,” he says. “By understanding what someone’s going through—or at least understanding some of the obstacles someone might face—I get it. I know what the stigma feels like. People have feelings. It takes time to learn to trust, but when you do, things can get better.”

SelectHealth benefits include medical and hospital services, dental and vision care, prescription drug coverage, access to substance abuse treatment providers, culturally competent and gender-affirming services and dedicated care coordinators who tailor care and services to individual members’ needs. 

The SelectHealth team is Platinum certified (the highest level) awarded by SAGECare, the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older people. 

Sometimes learning to care for yourself, starts by finding Trust.

To learn more about SelectHealth, please visit www.selecthealthny.org, or call: 1-866-469-7774.