Resources
Special Issue of Medical Journal Explores Latino Health and Health Care
The Network for Multicultural Research on Health and Healthcare, a consortium of researchers from major research institutions around the country, has produced a special supplement of the Journal of General Internal Medicine examining Latinos and health care, shedding light on important issues that have been left out of the health care reform debate. This issue, Confronting Health Inequities in Latino Health Care, comprises nine studies examining hypertension, diabetes, health insurance coverage, discrimination, quality of care, spirituality, preventive care, and other topics on Latino health and health care.
Access the special supplement.
NCLR Analysis of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962)
Affordable Health Care for America Act
The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, reviewed the U.S. House of Representatives merged health care reform legislation, the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962). Upon evaluation, we believe that the legislation takes fundamental steps toward fixing health care for most Americans, making it more affordable and accessible. H.R. 3962 will improve the health care experiences of Latinos, who have the highest uninsurance rates in the country; however, the legislation needs improvements to enhance quality and coverage for Latinos. At the end of this debate, the legislation should be evaluated to determine whether or not it increases health care coverage for Latinos and improves the quality of care they receive. Below, NCLR highlights several provisions of the bill that meet these goals and others which, through their exclusion or poor design, stand in the way of achieving these goals. Several key provisions and recommendations are highlighted below.
Summary of Priorities
Guiding Principles Make Health Insurance Affordable & Better
Let us keep our employer-provided health insurance if we want to but also have a public health insurance option if we cannot afford private insurance. Assist small businesses with incentives that allow them to provide coverage to their employees.
No bans on receiving coverage if we have a pre-existing condition. Give us stronger consumer protections in private health insurance plans.
