'Affordable Care Act' & What it Means to Latinos

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Although the Affordable Care Act has already initiated three enrollment phases, the Urban Institute says that as of March 2015, 1 out of every 5 Latino adults remains uninsured. Here is what you need to know about the ACA.

Expanded coverage

Center for American Progress says 80 percent of uninsured Latinos could be eligible for Medicaid, CHIP or the Children's Health Insurance Program, or any of the available federal and state health insurances. Premiums are normally based on the individual's paying capacity and location.

Both citizens and legal immigrants can avail of these options. Non-eligible individuals can still apply for eligible dependents, including children born in the US, the blog Salud Today explains.

Lower health care costs

According to Latin Post, the ACA, also referred to as Obamacare, has helped reduce the cost of medicines. For individuals from low-income families, the blog post states that they can also inquire about free and low-cost coverage options offered by Medicaid.

Access to preventive care services

With the Affordable Care Act, individuals who are under private insurances may also avail of preventive care services at no additional charge. Center for American Progress lists these services to include examinations for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, colon cancer, obesity and even access to certain types of vaccines.

Coverage for preexisting conditions

With the Affordable Care Act, Latinos suffering from chronic illnesses will no longer need to worry on whether their health insurance company will stop paying for the medical bills. The American progress website says the health care act prevents insurance companies from placing limits on coverage.

A White House document reveals that the new law also prevents insurance companies from denying coverage to kids with asthma and similar chronic ailments.

This is great for Chicanos/Latinos, says the Instituto Familiar De La Raza, Inc., as the community is often plagued by chronic ailments such as heart disease and obesity.

Extension of benefits

In a culture where strong family ties are important, the ACA provides relief. Instituto Familiar De La Raza, Inc. says the new health care law allows young adults to continue receiving benefits as dependents.

Its importance becomes more evident in times when young adults are still looking for a job.

Individuals who have not enrolled in the ACA program can go to Enroll America and sign up for a free appointment with a representative. Enroll America has English and Spanish representatives where interested applicants can ask for more details about the Affordable Care Act. 

Other than Enroll America, HealthCare.gov also provides extensive information about the ACA. This year's deadline for enrollment is Jan. 31, 2016.