Camden, NJ-Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today joined with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, South Jersey leaders, and local health care providers to host a roundtable discussion on ways to increase the number of Hispanic constituents enrolled in the Affordable Care Act in advance of the open enrollment period, which begins November 1, 2016.

“We’ve witnessed an historic drop in the number of people who are uninsured in this country. Individuals are finding affordable, reliable health care coverage—including access to preventive treatment and services. But, too many in our Hispanic community remain uninsured. That’s got to change. Today, we’re joining forces with government leaders and community service providers to spread the word, both in Spanish and English, about the importance of getting covered,” said Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01).

Among the topics discussed: best practices to assist individuals who are uninsured, barriers to keeping Latinos from obtaining coverage, identifying enrollment assistance resources for South Jersey residents, and promoting wellness and preventive care.

“Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, the uninsured rate has dropped by 8 percent in the Latino community, but we still have work to do,” said Jackie Cornell, Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Mixed immigration status families do not need to worry–no questions are ever asked, so there is no reason for this to be a barrier to affordable, quality coverage.”

Among those participating in today’s Affordable Care Act roundtable discussion at The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Camden were Mayor Dana Redd, Camden City Councilmembers Frank Moran, Angel Fuentes, Luis Lopez, Marilyn Torres, Assemblywoman Nilsa Cruz-Perez, and representatives from Camden County Office of Hispanic Affairs, Office of Camden County Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, Hispanic Clergy, Cooper University Hospital, Virtua Health System, Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, CAMCare, LAEDA, Project HOPE, Center for Family Services, Camden County Office of Public Health, and Hispanic Family Center.

“We are grateful to Congressman Norcross for spearheading this Affordable Care Act outreach effort to South Jersey’s Hispanic community. As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, I hope this initiative will lead to increased enrollment for the Hispanic community,” said Camden City Councilman Angel Fuentes.

Open enrollment runs from November 1, 2016-January 31, 2017. For more information on the Affordable Care Act in Spanish, click here. For more information on the Affordable Care Act in English, click here. Or dial 1-800-318-2596.

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