By Rep. Moore

 

When we discuss the concerns of the Latino community, the passage of comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) is often at the front of our minds, and rightly so. From May Day to Cinco de Mayo to the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, many have used these moments to emphasize the value of CIR, as its passage would not only benefit the Hispanic community but our nation as a whole. Though hugely important, comprehensive immigration reform is but one of many important issues impacting Latinos.  

 

Exactly one month ago today, our health insurance marketplaces were launched. For the first time in our nation’s history, Americans can shop for health insurance and choose the plan that best suits their medical needs and financial situation. In Wisconsin, the Affordable Care Act is already working. Approximately 1.5 million individuals who currently have private health insurance now have access to preventive health care at no cost. Roughly 43 thousand young adults, up to age 25, are covered under a parent’s health care plan. Up to 45 thousand children cannot be turned away from coverage due to a pre-existing condition. These benefits, however, are just a sampling of the advantages under our landmark health care reform law. 

 

Between now and March 2014, Wisconsinites can shop for coverage among 97 health insurance plans. This law offers an opportunity to gain access to a most basic need – affordable health insurance to the uninsured. Health care proponents must work to enroll as many people as possible, especially young people. In Wisconsin, 44 percent of young Latino adults (aged 18 to 34) are uninsured. To put this number in context, 28 percent of young adults in America are uninsured. That number drops to 19 percent in Wisconsin.

 

Our young uninsured rate is even more telling when we realize we are in a health care battle field – fighting an administration whose ongoing goal is to undermine the Affordable Care Act. In spite of Governor Scott Walker’s antics, advocates of this law must continue to help Wisconsinites understand their health care choices and enroll for coverage. I join these advocates in working to drastically reduce the number of young, uninsured Latinos in Wisconsin. 

 

If you are a young person reading this piece, you may be questioning the importance and relevance of health insurance. You may have never even considered purchasing health insurance. You may be thinking that health insurance coverage is unnecessary for you, because you are young and generally healthy.

 

I’m 62 years old now, but I can think of a handful of young people who have faced unexpected health changes. It’s difficult sometimes to realize that your health can surprise you. Though it would be very convenient, no one has the ability to predict when he or she will fall ill or become injured. The Affordable Care Act offers peace of mind for at least this unknown factor in our lives. 

 

Young people in Wisconsin can choose from four plans: gold, silver, bronze or catastrophic. For some young people, cost may be the deciding factor. According to a Department of Health and Human Services report, the lowest priced bronze plan and the second lowest priced silver plan will cost a 27-year old Wisconsinite, who earns $25,000 annually, $96 and $145 per month, respectively. Those respective numbers for a 27-year old living in Milwaukee would be $86 and $145. All figures include applicable tax credits. The price of health insurance may be costly when comparing it to the zero dollar amount a young, uninsured adult has traditionally paid. However, that figure may become much smaller when compared to the value of your health and well-being. 

 

The Affordable Care Act gives us a unique and powerful opportunity to own our health care decisions. No longer can health insurance companies decide whether a person is worthy of coverage. Your health is worth preserving today and always. I encourage all young people to take the first step towards gaining health care autonomy and enroll in coverage today. It’s your health. It’s time to take control. 

 

Anyone can apply for health insurance coverage online at https://www.healthcare.gov/, https://www.cuidadodesalud.gov/es/ or by phone at 1-800-318-2596.