The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has unveiled groundbreaking data demonstrating significant strides in health care coverage among minority communities since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted. This achievement underscores the administration's unwavering commitment to expanding access to affordable, high-quality health care, particularly for underserved populations. Central to this effort is the historic $500 million investment in Navigators, vital players in connecting people to health coverage.

Remarkable Coverage Gains Among Minority Communities

Recent reports from HHS reveal a notable reduction in uninsured rates among minority groups from 2010 to 2022. Key findings include:

Black Americans: Uninsurance rates dropped from 20.9% to 10.8%.

Latinos: A decline from 32.7% to 18%.

Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI): Decreased from 16.6% to 6.2%.

American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN): Fell from 32.4% to 19.9%.

These figures highlight the substantial progress made in ensuring that more Americans, regardless of their racial or ethnic background, have access to the health care they need.

Unwavering Commitment to Health Equity

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the administration's dedication to health equity: "The Biden-Harris Administration is laser-focused on making sure everyone can get health care, regardless of the color of their skin. Today’s data show just how far we have come in reaching Black, Latino, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, and American Indian and Alaskan Native populations, who are disproportionately uninsured."

White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden reinforced this message, stating, "President Biden firmly believes that health care is a right, not a privilege, and is committed to making sure that everyone one of us has the peace of mind that health insurance brings."

Historic Investment in Navigators

To sustain and build on these gains, the Biden-Harris Administration has announced a new $500 million investment in the Navigator program over the next five years. Navigators play a crucial role in assisting individuals, particularly those in underserved communities, in signing up for health care coverage. This investment is the largest in the program's history, with $100 million allocated for the first year alone.

CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure highlighted the impact of this investment: "Behind the historic health equity gains championed by the Biden-Harris Administration are the countless communities we are connecting to health care coverage, often for the first time."

Record-Breaking Enrollment Numbers

The effectiveness of Navigators is evident in the record-breaking enrollment figures for the 2024 Open Enrollment Period, with 21.4 million people signing up for health care coverage through the Marketplaces. Notable enrollment statistics include:

Latinos: Approximately five million enrollees, representing 22% of those reporting their race/ethnicity.

Black Americans: Nearly two million enrollees, making up 9%.

AANHPI Americans: Over 2.5 million enrollees, accounting for 12%.

AI/AN Americans: Around 200,000 enrollees, or 1%.

A Vision for the Future

This unprecedented investment in health coverage Navigators, coupled with the robust data on coverage gains, reflects the Biden-Harris Administration's comprehensive strategy to improve health equity. As the administration continues to implement policies that make health insurance more affordable and accessible, the commitment to ensuring that every American can attain the health care they deserve remains steadfast.

For more details on the latest health care coverage gains and the new Navigator funding, visit the HHS website, hhs.texas.gov