Xavier Becerra United States Secretary of Health and Human Services | Official Website
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released five reports today showing significant gains in health care coverage among minority communities since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) coverage provisions. The Biden-Harris Administration attributes these improvements to efforts aimed at increasing access to affordable, quality health care, particularly in underserved areas. Additionally, HHS announced a $500 million investment in Navigators, who assist individuals in enrolling for health care.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is laser focused on making sure everyone can get health care, regardless of the color of their skin,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Today’s data show just how far we have come in reaching Black, Latino, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, and American Indian and Alaskan Native populations, who are disproportionately uninsured. HHS is doubling down on our efforts by announcing another historic investment in Navigators, helping us continue to reach record enrollment in underserved communities.”
White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden emphasized the administration's commitment: “President Biden firmly believes that health care is a right, not a privilege, and is committed to making sure that every one of us has the peace of mind that health insurance brings.” She added that making health insurance more affordable and accessible has enabled millions from underserved communities to access necessary health care.
CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure noted the impact of these measures: “Behind the historic health equity gains championed by the Biden-Harris Administration are the countless communities we are connecting to health care coverage, often for the first time.”
New data from HHS’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) highlight declines in uninsurance rates among various minority groups between 2010 and 2022:
- Black Americans: from 20.9% to 10.8%
- Latinos: from 32.7% to 18%
- Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI): from 16.6% to 6.2%
- American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN): from 32.4% to 19.9%
An ASPE issue brief titled "Improving Access to Affordable and Equitable Health Coverage: A Review from 2010 to 2024" outlines actions taken by the current administration aimed at expanding coverage.
The new funding for Navigators includes $500 million over five years with $100 million available for the first year—marking it as the largest investment in this program so far.
Navigator program funding history:
- Expected for 2024: $100 million
- 2023: $98.6 million
- 2022: $98.9 million
- 2021: $90.2 million
- Previous years saw significantly lower investments.
Navigators have proven effective; during the latest Open Enrollment Period alone:
- Approximately five million Latino Americans signed up.
- Nearly two million Black Americans enrolled.
- Over 2.5 million AANHPI Americans obtained coverage.
- About 200,000 AI/AN individuals secured Marketplace plans.
This substantial investment aims to maintain high enrollment rates among underserved populations moving forward.
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