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Drop in Spanish Speaking Obamacare Shoppers

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Drop in Spanish Speaking Obamacare Shoppers

Fewer Americans Satisfied with Cost of Care Now than Before Law Passed

(Washington, D.C.) – Although tech-savvy Hispanics are almost three time as likely as other Americans to use mobile devices to monitor or diagnose health conditions, Spanish speakers show a declining interest in the Cuidadodesalud.gov health care website. According to recent data released by the Obama Administration, the number of shoppers on the Spanish-language site for the Affordable Care Act has fallen by nearly 40 percent from the same period last year. The White House had again targeted Hispanics as a priority in signing up new subscribers, but so far the response appears to be negative. And with a shortened enrollment period this year, Hispanic enrollment numbers may again fall short of expectations. Cost may be a factor, as Americans’ satisfaction with the total cost of healthcare has fallen to 21 percent, according to a recent Gallup poll. Satisfaction with total cost of healthcare was actually higher before the health care law passed – at 26 percent in 2009.

Daniel Garza, Executive Director for The LIBRE Initiative released the following statement:

“In order to even have a chance of the new system working, the federal government has made it a priority to sign up young, hard-working Hispanics under the new healthcare law. Because young and healthy workers pay more for care than they receive in benefits, they would help to sustain a system that has serious structural and fiscal problems. But many Hispanics recognize the law for what it is — an imposed tax. For them, the law is a costly imposition – and with deductibles far higher than before the law, it offers no great benefits to their bottom line. The problems with the law are becoming more evident as time goes on. Millions more will likely be frustrated and angry when they find that the fines for failing to support the law are scheduled to climb higher and higher.

The ACA simply isn’t working as promised, and we need to come together and demand for the problems to be addressed. Washington leaders must look to the states, who are able to offer solutions that work better for local communities.”

For Interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact Josh Rivera, 202-763-4428 or Brian Faughnan, 703-678-4581

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