The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed a new rule protecting people from sex discrimination from its health services.

The HHS proposal, titled "Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities," would assist people who may have been vulnerable to discrimination. Currently, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) extends civil rights protections based on race, color, national origin, disability and age. The new proposal would focus on sex discrimination, as the department seeks to advance health equity and reduce disparities in the health care industry.

"This proposed rule is an important step to strengthen protections for people who have often been subject to discrimination in our health care system," HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell said in a statement. "This is another example of this Administration's commitment to giving every American access to the health care they deserve."

The proposal would apply to the Health Insurance Marketplaces, any health program administered by HHS, and activities funded by the department. The proposal is open for public comments and will provide exemptions for religious organizations. The HHS, however, is not fully sure on the limits toward religious organizations. HHS stated the public comments should provide the scope of any such exemption.

In addition to the sex discrimination proposal, HHS announced the new protections include equal health services treatment for women as men and language assistance for individuals with limited English proficiency.

Civil rights groups have applauded HHS. Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, said the Obama administration made an important step in eliminating health access inequality and disparities.

"The proposed rule is a critical component to preventing and addressing discrimination in health care based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, including gender identity and sex stereotyping. We commend HHS for taking the important step of issuing a proposed rule and urge the administration to move promptly after the end of the comment period to finalize the regulations so as to ensure effective implementation of this crucial new civil rights protection," said Henderson, noting discrimination can occur anywhere from obtaining insurance coverage to receiving diagnosis and treatment.

National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) Policy Director Julie Gonen also commended the proposal as a step to ensuring health access for transgender individuals, particularly the youth.

Since the first provisions of the ACA were implemented in 2010, more than 4.2 million Latinos have gained medical coverage, according to HHS. Overall, more than 16 million Americans have gained medical insurance through Obamacare. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, repealing the ACA would remove 19 million Americans from insurance in one year.

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