Health care reform bill 101: What Does It Mean For Young People of Color?
By now we know that President Obama’s health care reform bill means that people already struggling to pay their bills and those not able to afford to buy insurance will have coverage in the long run. We know that kids with pre-existing conditions will be able to obtain insurance within six months, and adults in 2014. But what does it mean for young people of color and how will it affect our communities in the short term and the long run? After all, the issue of racial and ethnic health disparities has oppressed America’s health care system for years. So, will young people of color be affected by this change?
The answer is yes! In fact, we will benefit the most from this legislation.
Historically, minorities living in America have lower rates of insurance coverage and less access to medical care than White Americans, particularly Hispanics and African Americans being most at risk. Under the health care reform bill, after 2014 most minorities who are currently uninsured will either obtain coverage through Medicaid’s expansion or through government subsidies. For people of color, the health care reform bill is a great triumph.
You might be thinking, “So I have to wait four years to benefit from the health care reform bill?” The answer is no!
One of the changes that will take effect right away that is important for young people of color is the extension of dependent coverage for young adults until they are 26-years-old. This is very important for young minorities who are unemployed and unable to obtain health insurance. The 42% of African American youth that are currently unemployed, college students included, will now be able to secure coverage as a dependent on their parents insurance plan this year.
Another immediate change that will take place in 2010 that will benefit entire communities of color is a provision that will provide billions of dollars to not only expand existing community health centers, but also build new facilities in underserved areas. This will not only allow more access to facilities where ethnic minorities can receive medical treatment, but also create jobs for more health care specialists of color who are bilingual, eliminating communication barriers between the patient and medical staff which has been an obstacle for Hispanic and Asian residents.
As a young person of color in America, the best thing you can do right now is your homework! Start researching how the health care reform bill will directly help you and your families, and start taking advantage of some of the benefits now.
“A rich man is one with knowledge, happiness and his health.” – Common
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Weather you are black white indian the way Americas need to get insurance is to get off you couch get a job and go get insurance. We saw all of you last year at Christmas, when flap screen tv’s were on sale lining up to get your tv’s. The working people are sick of paying for you!
Wow Jeff,
I guess AAAALL white people are employed and you saw AAAALL so-called black people lined up to get TVs. The bottom line is that we have more right to this land than you. Without our labor, you’d be eating your neighbors flesh. Do some real research on your people.
Jeff, your ignorance is exemplified in your grammar here is what you should have written. (with corrections capitalized)
Grammar is Key:
WHether you are Black, White, or Indian, the way YOU AS AMERICANS need to get insurance is to get off youR couch, get a job, and go get insurance. (By the way, how is the way to get insurance, to get insurance? Using circular logic much?) We saw all of you last year DURING Christmas, when flaT screen TV’s WENT on sale, AND YOU WERE lining up to get your TV’s. The working people are sick of paying for you!
Oh the ignorance, tis’ hilarious.
Courtesy of an educated, Mexican, Stanford student