#CoverageMatters for Health Equity in America

Posted on December 23, 2016 by J. Nadine Gracia, MD, MSCE, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health

As I’ve had the opportunity to visit communities across our nation, I have a greater appreciation for the progress we’ve made toward achieving health equity. Many of the stories I’ve heard from men, women, young adults, and seniors from all walks of life hinge one on key piece of progress: the Affordable Care Act. These stories of the peace of mind, freedom and security that come with knowing that they have health insurance coverage are present in every corner of the country. Stories like that of Donnalyn Washington who said she wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for her health coverage are a result of the historic reduction in the number of people who are uninsured and more than 20 million people gaining coverage since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law.

#CoverageMatters Health Equity in America

The Affordable Care Act has carved a new pathway in our nation’s journey toward achieving health equity. As you look across the various facets of health and health care, you can see its indelible footprints. From the provider’s office to the community-based organization, the Affordable Care Act advances health equity by not only making sure health insurance and preventive services are more affordable and accessible, but also taking steps to make health care more equitable and culturally and linguistically appropriate.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, about 4 million Hispanic adults, 3 million African American adults, and 1 million Asian American and Pacific Islander adults who were uninsured now have health coverage. But, we still have work to do. There are still millions of uninsured minorities who qualify for health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace). That’s why we’re asking everyone who needs health insurance to visit HealthCare.gov to update, shop for, and switch plans through January 31. Most current Marketplace consumers will be able to find a plan for $75 or less a month in premiums after tax credits.

We must make our best efforts to ensure that individuals sign up for coverage so they can benefit from having health coverage like Donnalyn. That’s because #CoverageMatters for the 913,000 Latinos, 509,000 African Americans and 121,000 Asian Americans between the ages of 19 and 26 who would have been uninsured but now have coverage under their parents’ plan. And because #CoverageMatters for the more than 40 million minorities with private insurance who now have access to certain recommended preventive services at no out-of-pocket cost, such as certain cancer screenings, immunizations and depression screening for adolescents and adults. #CoverageMatters because when all communities are healthy, our nation prospers.

We live in a time of extraordinary change that is reshaping the way we live, the way we learn, and the way we work. Our ability to respond to the health needs of our increasingly diverse communities is paramount to the future health of our nation as a whole. The Affordable Care Act, and the work of the HHS Office of Minority Health, is accelerating that response to help ensure that everyone – regardless of race, ethnicity or zip code – has an equal chance at a healthier life.

Together we are making progress. As President Obama said about the long arc of progress, it is “progress that is never assured, never guaranteed, but always possible, always there to be earned – no matter how stuck we might seem sometimes.”

To learn more about your health coverage options, visit HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) 24/7. Find free, confidential in-person assistance in your local area by visiting LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov.

If you’ve already enrolled in health coverage through HealthCare.gov, we want to hear from you. Every story is unique. Share your story on social media using #CoverageMatters.