WHAT/WHO:               While the rate of the uninsured is dropping in the Latino community since the enactment of Affordable Care Act (ACA), Latinos currently make up one-third of the total uninsured population in the United States.  Recent data released by the U.S. Census shows that the Latino community has a significantly higher uninsured rate than other racial groups.

DC Health Link, in collaboration with the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Mary’s Center, the Latin American Youth Center and La Clinica Del Pueblo, has joined the White House and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in its effort to promote, educate and motivate Latino enrollment in affordable health insurance during National ACA Latino Week of Action. The Week of Action runs from Monday January 12 to Saturday, January 17, 2015.

At the Latino Leadership Symposium, “Boosting Enrollment in the Affordable Health Insurance: Challenges, Barriers, Myths, Opportunities and Solutions,” experts and leaders in the Latino community are coming together to discuss how to collaborate to best educate the Latino community about the ACA and motivate Latinos to sign up for health insurance. Experts and leaders will outline the benefits of the ACA, address issues impacting Latino enrollment in quality affordable health insurance through DC Health Link, and offer solutions and opportunities for changing the trajectory.

WHO:                                      Angela Franco, President/CEO, Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce (Moderator)   
Liliana Rañón, Special Assistant, U.S Department of Health and Human Services
M. Lucero Ortiz, Esq., Immigration Attorney
Margarita M. Dilone, CIC, President/CEO Crystal Insurance Group, Inc.
Alicia Wilson, Executive Director, La Clinica Del Pueblo

WHEN/WHERE:           Wednesday, January 14, 2015, 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
                                    Latin American Youth Center
1419 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC 20009

ADDITIONAL LATINO “WEEK OF ACTION” EVENTS
One Touch Enrollment Marathon
Saturday January 17, 2015
9:00am - 12:00pm
Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School
1100 Harvard Street NW

1 pm – 5 pm
La Clinica Del Pueblo
2831 15th Street NW
                                   
BACKGROUND:           The Affordable Care Act provides individuals, families, and small businesses in the District of Columbia with affordable options for quality health insurance.  DC Health Link is the District’s online health insurance marketplace which allows visitors to shop, compare, and enroll in coverage that fits their needs and budgets.

Open Enrollment for individuals began on November 15, 2014 and ends February 15, 2015. Eligible District residents can enroll in a health insurance plan through DCHealthLink.com. Generally, plan selections made by the 15th of each month during Open Enrollment will be effective on the first day of the following month. Small businesses—as well as individuals and families eligible for Medicaid—can enroll through DCHealthLink.com at any point.