Same-Sex Couples Face Greater Health Insurance Coverage Gaps, Trinity University Study Finds
SAN ANTONIO, TX – October 8, 2025 – A new study from Trinity university researchers reveals significant disparities in health insurance coverage between same-sex and different-sex couples in the United States. Published this week, the findings indicate that individuals in same-sex partnerships are less likely to be covered by employer-sponsored health insurance and experience greater difficulty accessing affordable healthcare options.
The research,conducted throughout 2024,highlights a persistent vulnerability within the LGBTQ+ community despite advancements in marriage equality and legal protections. These coverage gaps translate to potential barriers in accessing preventative care, managing chronic conditions, and overall health outcomes. The study’s implications extend to policymakers, employers, and healthcare providers as they work to address inequities in access to care and ensure equitable health coverage for all Americans.
Researchers analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Health Interview Survey, focusing on couples across various demographics. The study found that 77.1% of individuals in different-sex couples had health insurance coverage in 2024, compared to 71.3% of those in same-sex couples. This 5.8 percentage point difference underscores a continuing challenge for LGBTQ+ individuals, notably those who may face discrimination or lack of inclusive benefits packages from employers.
Further analysis revealed that employer-sponsored insurance was the primary source of coverage for 58.9% of individuals in different-sex couples, while only 49.2% of those in same-sex couples received coverage through their workplace.This disparity is particularly pronounced among women in same-sex relationships, who were found to be less likely to be offered health benefits by their employers compared to their counterparts in different-sex couples.
“Our findings suggest that despite legal advancements, systemic barriers continue to impede access to health insurance for same-sex couples,” explained Dr. Anya Sharma, lead author of the study and Professor of Sociology at trinity university. ”These barriers can stem from employer policies, societal biases, and the historical exclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals from conventional benefit structures.”
The study authors recommend increased employer awareness and implementation of inclusive benefits policies, as well as continued advocacy for policies that expand access to affordable healthcare for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. They also suggest further research to explore the specific factors contributing to these disparities and to identify effective interventions to address them.
