The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) has had a profound impact on access to health care for America's Latino population.
A new poll conducted by Florida Atlantic University displayed the challenges that Hispanics face in obtaining coverage as well as the gains they have made since the implementation of the PPACA.
In total, just under 13 percent of Latinos report lacking health insurance. Thirty percent report having government-provided insurance, such as Medicaid. Women (36 percent) were much more likely than men (23 percent) to have a public sector plan. The rest report having a private insurance policy.
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Previous studies have shown that the PPACA has affected the Latino population more than any other demographic subset in the U.S. A study released in January reported a much higher uninsured rate (20 percent) than the Florida Atlantic University poll.
But a decrease in the uninsured rate does not mean that many are not still struggling to pay for their coverage. Forty-four percent reported that it has become harder to afford health care recently. That's a six point increase from a year ago.
But conversely, more people report having an easier time affording care: 23 percent this year compared to only 13 percent last year.
The apparent contradiction is quite logical and may reflect the fact that while costs have risen for many who are not eligible for Medicaid or a subsidized health plan through the PPACA individual marketplace, many low-income individuals have gained access to cheap or free coverage because of the health law.
Like the overall U.S. population, Hispanics are divided on Obamacare. However, support for the law is higher (53 percent) and opposition is lower (35 percent) than in the general public.
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