FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
September 19, 2014 Kathy Mimberg
(202) 776-1714
kmimberg@nclr.org
New data emphasize need to expand coverage and amplify outreach efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Recent data released by the U.S. Census Bureau show that between 2012 and 2013 the number of uninsured Latinos declined slightly, from 15.6 million to 15.3 million, or by about 300,000 individuals. However, the health coverage rate for U.S. Hispanics still lags far behind that of other groups. In 2013 the Hispanic uninsurance rate was 28.4 percent, compared to 10.2 percent for non-Hispanic Whites and 14.5 percent nationwide.
“It is encouraging to see a decline in the number of uninsured Latinos in the United States. Every drop in the uninsurance rate in our community means more families who can get regular, affordable care and live healthier lives,” said Eric Rodriguez, Vice President of the Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation at NCLR (National Council of La Raza). “However, with nearly one-third of our community still uninsured, these numbers underscore the need to further remove enrollment barriers, amplify outreach efforts to get eligible Latinos enrolled in health coverage and inform families that they can enroll in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program at any time during the year.”
The data also show that Texas, Florida and Nevada had the three highest uninsurance rates, with Texas leading the nation in residents without health insurance (22.1 percent). Texas and Florida, which have two of the largest Hispanic populations in the country, have refused to expand their Medicaid programs, a move that would extend coverage to more low-income families, including Hispanics.
Of great concern to NCLR is the number of Latino children who lack health coverage compared to their non-Hispanic White peers. According to the new data, in 2013 the national uninsurance rate for Hispanic children was 12.1 percent, or nearly two million children, compared to 5.4 percent for non-Hispanic White children. NCLR recently released two issue briefs highlighting the impact that Medicaid expansion would have on increasing the number of Latinos with health coverage in Texas and Florida.
“These numbers do not reflect any gains that were made through the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, but they tell us why health care reform has been important for the Latino community, especially as the next open enrollment period nears,” said Rodriguez.
NCLR works with community partners throughout the nation to inform and encourage Latinos to determine their eligibility for insurance programs and enroll in health coverage. Open enrollment for 2015 through the Affordable Care Act begins on November 15, 2014. More information can be obtained at www.HealthCare.gov and www.CuidadoDeSalud.gov.
NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.
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