AARP Emphasizes Affordable Care Act Education in Hispanic Communities

USA - English

• Latin America - español

WASHINGTON, June 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, AARP announced a new effort focused in Hispanic communities to increase education and knowledge about the Affordable Care Act and to prepare families for the opening of health exchanges in the fall. AARP is collaborating with a number of organizations in this effort including the Hispanic Federation, National Council of La Raza, Esperanza and the League of United Latin American Citizens.

Hispanics make up one of the largest uninsured populations in the country – a rate of 30.1 percent compared to 11.1 percent for non-Hispanic whites – many of whom are primarily Spanish speakers. Reaching these families with needed information and resources about the health care law and the availability of insurance and care is critical for our health care system as a whole.

"AARP recognizes the need for educating all Americans about the health care law and we want to make sure that those without coverage have the resources and knowledge they need to get it," said Andres Castillo, AARP senior advisor for Hispanic education and outreach. "Working with these Hispanic organizations will allow us to amplify our reach in these communities and educate families that need this information."

These strategic arrangements will focus on training and resources for promotores – members of local communities who receive specialized training to provide basic health education – to assist with the enrollment process for health insurance. In addition to providing these organizations with educational materials, AARP is committed to a number of training and pilot programs in states across the country.

"We encourage everyone to take the time to find out what the health care law means for them. People have a lot of questions about the law and we believe AARP can help answer those questions and let people know about the many benefits available to them," concluded Castillo.

For more information on what the health law means for you visit HealthLawAnswers.org or MiLeydeSalud.org.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Espanol, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

SOURCE AARP