Health Care Reform

SAALT recently provided a summary of the current state of Obama's proposal for Health Care Reform and how it affects low-income patients and South Asian Americans:

Congress and the White House have made health care reform one of their top priorities. President Obama's proposal for health care reform includes health insurance exchange program that includes "public option" (where low-income patients can choose their own doctors but the government will assist with the expense) and increasing primary care medical services to promote prevention treatments and reduce unnecessary medical procedures.

Recently, there has been a flurry of activity and bill drafting happening in Congress. Three committees in the House of Representatives have presented a discussion draft of health care reform legislation that includes a requirement that all individuals obtain health insurance; a health insurance exchange; a public health insurance option; and improvements to Medicaid and Medicare. The Senate has also been working on the "Affordable Health Choices Act," which includes provisions addressing the choice of coverage options; reduction of health care costs; prevention; modernization of health systems and long term care and services. Negotiations have been underway in the Senate to cut costs within the proposal by reducing subsidies for low-income uninsured populations.

One of the most pressing issues affecting South Asians is health care. In fact, approximately 20 percent of South Asians lack health coverage plans leaving affordable health care out of reach for many community members. In addition, linguistic and cultural barriers prevent many limited English proficient South Asians from being able to communicate effectively with health care professionals and obtain emergency assistance when needed. Community members are encouraged to contact Congress and express support for health care coverage for all, funding for culturally competent and lingustically accessible health care services, and ensuring access to Medicare and Medicaid for non-citizens.