FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
February 9, 2015 Camila Gallardo
(305) 215-4259
cgallardo@nclr.org
MIAMI—A free community event yesterday sponsored by NCLR (National Council of La Raza), Hispanic Unity of Florida and the National Hispanic Council on Aging offered Miami residents information and assistance for health care enrollment. Participants learned about the health insurance options available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA); navigators were available to assist with online enrollment and to help review plans and costs. NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguía stopped by the enrollment event, which was held at the NCLR Florida Regional Office in Miami just days before the national February 15 enrollment deadline.
“Given the large number of Latinos who lack health insurance and the need to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate in-person assistance, enrollment events like this one are helping to make a difference in families’ lives. It’s important for the community to know financial help is available and that health insurance is more affordable than they may think. In fact, 93 percent of Florida’s potential Latino applicants qualify for some type of subsidy,” said Steven Lopez, Manager, NCLR Health Policy Project.
Hispanics make up the nation’s largest uninsured population; in Florida alone, estimates have shown that nearly one-quarter of a million Latinos lack health coverage. Community events such as these are helping to bridge the gap by providing free information and enrollment assistance. In addition to getting help to enroll, attendees received additional information about ACA benefits.
Under the Affordable Care Act, 72 preventive services are now covered free of charge (including mammograms and diabetes screenings), insurance providers can no longer deny coverage based on a pre-existing condition, and young adults can stay on their parents’ health insurance plans until the age of 26. Also important to note for ineligible spouses or parents applying for an eligible minor: the information provided on the application will not be shared for civil immigration enforcement purposes.
“We urge the community to not delay. There are only a few days left to obtain quality and affordable coverage through the marketplace and avoid facing a penalty if not enrolled by the February 15 deadline,” concluded Lopez.
All those eligible for health coverage under the ACA can visit www.HealthCare.gov and www.CuidadodeSalud.gov or call (800) 318-2596 for information in English or Spanish.
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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