Care you are owed, delivered with respect
Everyone deserves respectful and affirming medical care, yet discrimination in healthcare settings remains widespread. If you have been denied care, refused treatment or mistreated by medical providers because of your race, sexual orientation or gender identity, you have legal options.
What this can look like
- A doctor, hospital or clinic refused to treat you
- Staff mocked you, misgendered you on purpose or treated you differently from other patients
- You were denied care that is routinely given to other patients
- An insurer denied coverage in a way that singled out who you are
- You were refused an interpreter or a disability accommodation
- Your medical records were shared or used against you
The law on your side
Patients are protected by federal and state law, and by the professional rules that govern hospitals and providers.
- Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act
- Federal law that bars discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age and disability in health programs that receive federal money, which includes most hospitals and insurers.
- Pennsylvania Human Relations Act
- State law that treats hospitals and medical offices as public accommodations that may not discriminate.
- Disability rights laws
- The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act require accessible care and effective communication.
Mind the clock
Complaints to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights are generally due within 180 days, and state complaints within 180 days as well. Lawsuits can have different limits, so talk with us early.
These are general time limits, not legal advice. The deadline that applies to you depends on your facts.
What to gather
You don't need all of this to reach out. Bring what you have.
- Dates, locations and the names of the providers involved
- Visit summaries, bills and insurance denial letters
- Any written complaint you made and the response
- Messages from the patient portal
- Names of anyone who was with you
Common questions
Is this the same as medical malpractice?
Not always. Malpractice is about the quality of care. Discrimination is about being treated differently because of who you are. Some cases involve both, and we look at each angle.
Will my medical information stay private?
What you share with us is kept confidential. We'll talk through what records are needed and how they're protected.
Talk with Sophia about what happened
Tell us a little about your situation. We'll contact you to talk it through.