AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (ACA) LATINO ENROLLMENT INITIATIVE SCALED UP IN BERGEN COUNTY IN FINAL WEEKS BEFORE ENROLLMENT CLOSES

TEANECK, N.J., Jan. 15, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Open Enrollment closes on January 31^st, and in advance of that deadline, officials convened to kick off an amplified Latino outreach effort led by Holy Name Medical Center's Familia y Salud initiative.

Nationally, the uninsured rate amongst Latinos has declined by 11.5 percent since 2013, yet the uninsured rate is still high within the Latino population, with 30% lacking health insurance, compared with 8% for Caucasians, and 12% for African-Americans. Through Holy Name's Familia y Salud program, the hospital is raising awareness of the ACA among Hispanics by offering enrollment seminars that explain what the Affordable Care Act is, how they can benefit from it, and what they need to do to obtain medical insurance coverage.

"Holy Name has long been committed to helping members of our culturally-diverse population feel comfortable in seeking health care by developing grassroots programs such as Asian Health Services and Familia y Salud," says Michael Maron, President & CEO, Holy Name Medical Center. "We believe that our efforts in providing culturally sensitive care and community resources will help to improve health outcomes."

"We know there's a real need for quality, affordable care in the Hispanic community, and it's critical to have programs like Familia y Salud that bridge cultural gaps," said Health and Human Services Region II Executive Officer Dennis Gonzalez. "With over 38 different plans offered and most applicants eligible for rates as low as $75 a month in New Jersey, there's a right plan out there for everyone, and we need to make sure no one slips through the cracks and misses the Jan 31^st deadline to enroll."

"The Affordable Care Act has provided millions of Americans with access to high quality health care and the peace of mind that comes with having insurance," said U.S. Senator Bob Menendez. "We can't allow cultural and language barriers to stand in the way of our loved ones and neighbors getting the health care they need, and I applaud efforts to bridge those gaps. We are all healthier as a community and as a nation because of the ACA, but we need to ensure that everyone eligible for coverage gets it."

Since enrollment began in November, 12 million people have selected, or were automatically reenrolled in a plan, including over 260,000 in New Jersey. New Jersey is one of four target states nationwide that the US Department of Health and Human Services has prioritized based on the high numbers of eligible uninsured.

On January 31, 2016, enrollment will close. Free confidential enrollment help is available if people in New Jersey have questions or want to talk through their options with a trained professional. Visit LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov to find a listing enrollment centers and events in your community where free, confidential enrollment help is offered. Representatives at the 24-hour Call Center are available every day at 1-800-318-2596.

ABOUT HOLY NAME MEDICAL CENTER:

Holy Name Medical Center is a fully accredited, not-for-profit healthcare facility based in Teaneck, New Jersey, with off-site locations throughout Bergen County.  Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in 1925, the comprehensive 361-bed medical center offers leading-edge medical practice and technology administered in an environment rooted in a tradition of compassion and respect for every patient. Holy Name provides high quality health care across a continuum that encompasses education, prevention, early intervention, comprehensive treatment options, rehabilitation and wellness maintenance. 

CONTACT: Katherine Emmanouilidis
         Director, Public Relations & Marketing
         Holy Name Medical Center
         718 Teaneck Road | Teaneck, NJ 07666 
         Tel: 201-833-7092 
         [email protected]
         
         Public Relations, US Dept. of Health & Human Services, Region II 
         Office: 212-264-0131