From HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius: "Because of the Affordable Care Act, the landmark legislation signed by President Obama, we are making strides in advancing quality, affordable health coverage regardless of race or ethnicity. The health care law addresses the needs of minority populations and other underserved groups by investing in prevention, supporting improvements in primary care and Medicare, and making health care coverage affordable and accessible for all Americans. The theme for National Minority Health Month this year was “Advance Health Equity Now: Uniting Our Communities to Bring Health Care Coverage to All.” "Later this year, millions of Americans, will gain access to health coverage that meets their needs and fits their budget no matter who they are or where they live. New Health Insurance Marketplaces will give all Americans who are uninsured or who buy their own coverage a simple way to shop for insurance. Starting Oct. 1, 2013, Americans can enroll through the Marketplaces for health coverage beginning as early as Jan. 1, 2014. "For the first time, Americans will be able to go to one place to learn about their coverage options and be able to make side-by-side comparisons of private insurance plans. With a single application, they will also be able to find out if they qualify for a new kind of tax credit that lowers their monthly premiums. And because the law finally bans discrimination against pre-existing conditions like diabetes or asthma, nobody will be turned away because of their health status. "Achieving health equity means each of us has an equal opportunity to attain optimal health. Let’s recommit ourselves and our see minorityhealth.hhs.govmunities to act now to eliminate health disparities and increase access to quality care. We cannot afford to wait". For more information see minorityhealth.hhs.gov.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:56:19 +0000