Minority communities gain access to health insurance coverage

The Department of Health and Human Services this week announced declines in uninsurance rates among Black, Latino, Asian and Native American communities from 2010-2022. The declines were due to more people gaining access to health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The uninsured rate dropped from 21% to 11% for Black Americans, 33% to 18% for Latino Americans, 17% to 6% for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, and 32% to 20% for American Indians and Alaska Natives. The HHS also announced it would award $500 million in navigator grants during the next five years to help individuals enroll in health coverage. (HHS news release, 6/7/24)