Contrary to popular belief, government-run health care is not just contested by any one ethnicity in the United States. Americans from every background have opposed this plan — including the Hispanic community. Patients First has joined nine Hispanic organizations to oppose a government takeover on health care. The group asserts that the one-size-fits-all model that Congress is proposing will be damaging to the Hispanic community because:
“Millions of elderly Hispanics who have Medicare Advantage will see cuts to their care, Hispanic-owned small businesses will struggle to make payroll under the onerous new mandates on employers and, Hispanic families will be hit with a barrage of taxes to pay for heavily subsidized, government-run health care.”
The Washington Post reports that it will restrict legal immigrants’ access to insurance they currently have or prevent them from any plan at all.
“In both the Senate and House, all legal immigrants are eligible for government subsidies to buy insurance on the exchange, but immigrants who have been in the country for less than five years would remain barred by existing law from enrolling in Medicaid and Medicare.”
Let’s get this straight: a bill that was ostensibly crafted to cover uninsured Americans will force millions of legal immigrants to LOSE their insurance.
There are currently over 39 million Hispanics in the United States according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and the community is growing rapidly. They represent an important constituency for both parties, and their concerns must be heeded.
Patients First described what the Hispanic community desires in a health care plan:
“Hispanic organizations seek market solutions, including allowing businesses and individuals to purchase health insurance across state lines, which would make it easier and less costly for small businesses to provide employees with coverage.”
Congress’ proposals do not address underlying cost issues and threaten to reduce access and worsen care for all Americans – Hispanic or not. Sorry Congress, but as far as health reform is concerned, “no se puede.”