National Alliance for Hispanic Health Applauds President Obama's Efforts to Achieve Meaningful Health Care Reform in 2009

Nation's largest network of Hispanic health advocates joins President Obama's efforts to improve access and quality of health care for all in 2009

"There was a clear sense of urgency in President Obama's address to Congress on health care reform. We need to work together to get the job done and achieve affordable health care for all. At this critical time in our history, it is essential that we do this to support America's working families," said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, the nation's leading Hispanic health advocacy group.

"Securing peace of mind for America's families by improving access and quality of health care services must be item number one on the health reform agenda. We have work to do to cover the uninsured and provide adequate coverage for the underinsured," said Dr. Delgado. "America's families face strained household budgets and cannot wait another year for the peace of mind brought by knowing they have access to the health services they need."

According to Dr. Delgado, one in three Hispanics (34%) are uninsured and the majority of them are uninsured because they do not qualify for public programs because they are working in jobs where they cannot afford to pay for private coverage or the jobs do not provide coverage. The current economic crisis continues to increase the number of working families that must forgo their health insurance.

Too often rather than solve problems, what has been at the forefront of discussions are distortions that were meant to scare and not save people. For example, people are surprised to learn that many undocumented adults have health insurance and for those that do not have health insurance, in the rare instance when they go to a health care provider, they usually pay with cash.

"The entire Alliance network is committed to working with Congress and the President to enact meaningful health reform. We look forward to President Obama working with Congress to fulfill the commitment to ensure that all families have access to affordable health coverage and quality health care services," concluded Dr. Delgado.

Editors Note: The Alliance's Statement of Principles on Access to Affordable Quality Health Care is available at http://www.hispanichealth.org/principles/

About the National Alliance for Hispanic Health

The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is the nation's foremost source of information and trusted advocate for the health of Hispanics in the United States. The Alliance represents thousands of Hispanic health providers across the nation providing services to more than 15 million each year, making a daily difference in the lives of Hispanic communities and families. For more information, call the Alliance's Su Familia National Hispanic Family Health Helpline at 1-866-783-2645 or visit www.hispanichealth.org/.