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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Joseph Rendeiro
jrendeiro@nclr.org
(202) 776-1566
Today, millions of Latinos across the country will be able to purchase health insurance for the first time as open enrollment begins in the new health insurance marketplaces. Applicants for health insurance will be given the opportunity to compare and choose between private market plans in order to gain coverage that begins on January 1, 2014. NCLR (National Council of La Raza) will be working tirelessly to urge all eligible consumers to take advantage of this historic opportunity, which has the potential to drastically increase health care coverage among Latinos.
“Latinos have so much to gain through these new options, and NCLR will be using every free resource to ensure that the community has the full opportunity to access health coverage,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR. “The opening of the marketplaces marks a turning point for millions of Latinos who work incredibly hard but either aren’t offered coverage options or simply can’t afford health insurance. By finally giving them a place to go, we are giving Latinos the power to take care of their health care needs.”
In 2012, more than 15.5 million Latinos, including 2.5 million children, were uninsured. Despite having high workforce participation rates, Latinos are the least likely racial or ethnic group to be offered coverage through their employer.
However, within the first few years of implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), conservative estimates indicate that at least six million nonelderly Hispanics will gain access to coverage. Latinos could see an almost 20 percent jump in insurance rates after full implementation.
“It is vitally important that we protect the gains that Latinos and all Americans have made under this law. The ACA is already delivering for Latinos, and there will be millions more who will benefit from affordable health coverage,” Murguía added.
To learn more about how to apply, visit www.nclr.org/basicsofhcr.
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