Latinos Have Until Jan. 31 to Obtain Health Coverage

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In large part due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the number of uninsured Latinos has drastically decreased in the last few years. However, according to the latest data, Latinos still remain the largest racial and ethnic group with the highest rate of uninsured individuals. The ACA is currently in its third open enrollment, which ends at the end of this month on Jan. 31.

“The Latino community still suffers from health disparities like disproportionate rates of asthma, diabetes and certain cancers,” Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell said. “But with better access to better checkups, diet counseling and many cancer screenings, we can begin to close these gaps.”

Agencies and organizations, such as Enroll America, are working to spread awareness about subsidies that people might qualify for to help pay for coverage. A recent study conducted by the Urban Institute determined that four out of five Latinos did not know about this type of federal assistance.

Anne Filipic, President of Enroll America, said the non-profit organization is implementing the most effective tactics to reach Latinos — in-person assistance in both English and Spanish. A number of organizations, including the League of United Latin American Citizens and National Association of Hispanic Nurses have joined the cause of helping uninsured Latinos obtain health coverage.