The Problem:
The 2005 National Healthcare Disparities Report (NHDR) finds that while disparities
in access to health care are diminishing for all other minority groups, they are
widening for Hispanics.A majority (80%) of access measures being tracked by the
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have worsened for Hispanics since
last year’s report to the Nation. Overall the 2005 Report found that “for Hispanics,
the majority of disparities for both quality and access were growing wider.” In
terms of access to healthcare, Hispanics are grossly disadvantaged. Over 32% of
the nation's current population of Hispanics is uninsured, compared to 13% of Anglo-Americans
and 20% of African Americans. Not only do they lack accessible, affordable, available,
and portable health care, but they also are severely underrepresented in terms of
ownership of health-related enterprises. Additionally, employed Hispanics and their
families are less likely to be covered by employer insurance, with only 40% of Hispanics
receiving insurance from their employer or a relative's employer, compared to 70%
of Americans as a whole, according to 1990 data. With the increasing healthcare
costs, the above statistics are not likely to improve.
Our Approach:
USHAA is now in the process of advocating for changes that will enable
Latinos to purchase group insurance at reduced rates. USHAA is also working with the
top advocacy organizations in the country, including AARP, AHHE, the Hispanic Chambers
of Commerce of Health and other groups to provide Latinos with better access to
healthcare.
USHAA has formed a national Minority Healthcare Advocacy Alliance
and is collaborating on healthcare summits to advocate for change.
For all inquiries about partnering with USHAA, contact:
Luis J. Diaz, Esq. or George Zeppenfelt
888-99-USHAA