With November Elections Approaching, Hispanic Groups Focus on Health Care
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
By: Amy Green

July 23, 2014 | WMFE, Orlando - Advocates for health insurance are calling on Hispanics to get insured under the Affordable Care Act. They're also calling on people to vote against lawmakers who oppose Obamacare.

[Photo: An advocate dressed as Uncle Sam presents a check for uninsured Floridians. Advocates are urging state lawmakers to accept the money and expand coverage. By Amy Green]

Latino community leaders say more than 200,000 Hispanic Floridians are uninsured. They're urging state lawmakers to accept federal funding and expand health care for all Floridians.

Josephine Mercado of Hispanic Health Initiatives called it a human rights issue.

 "It is an injustice to see and hear the stories you have heard here today, people who have worked all their lives and now are left out in the cold because they are sick and poor."

Betsy Franceshini, a Florida-based representative of the Puerto Rican government, says many uninsured Hispanics work in industries like hospitality.

"Our vote is the strongest element that we have in our democracy. So we are encouraging people to go out and vote and choose legislators who are going to help and support these needing families." 

Advocates for health insurance are planning town hall meetings on the issue next month in Orange and Osceola counties. They’re also urging Hispanics to register to vote.

The next open enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act begins Nov. 15.

Mercado says despite this week's conflicting court rulings nothing will change immediately under Obamacare. She urged Hispanics to get enrolled.