Hispanic/Latino Adults Lack Adequate, Affordable Health Insurance Coverage

https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2024/hispaniclatino-adults-lack-adequate-affordable-health-insurance-coverage?check_logged_in=1&utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_KR-qO8mCaodtlehIyD0pqjIdda_P-QZ9gj_2750dFPvZ_jPVscTzXOLJFWbj5QhhBP7W4qDoMI0dDzMuwHuVzKHtLmA&_hsmi=338888776&utm_content=338888776&utm_source=hs_email Hispanic adults face underinsurance at higher rates The number of uninsured Hispanic adults dropped from 33 to 18% after the Affordable Care Act became law. But more than 55% of Hispanic adults are underinsured, meaning they don’t have health insurance or can’t afford the health care services they need, according to a report released today by the Commonwealth Fund. This compares to 42% of the nation’s non-Hispanic population. More than half of those surveyed said they either did not pick up prescriptions, get follow-up tests that had been ordered, or see a physician when they were sick due to cost, while 30% said they were paying off medical or dental debt over time. “The United States spends more on health care than any other high-income nation, yet we have the least to show for it,” said report author Joseph R. Betancort, the fund’s president. “Undoubtedly uninsurance, underinsurance, and affordability challenges are major root causes of this painful difference.” — Usha Lee McFarling