Washington, DC – L. Toni Lewis, MD, Chair of SEIU Healthcare, issued this statement today in response to a comprehensive report by the National Council of La Raza and Families USA examining Medicaid as an essential and effective source of primary care for Latino children and families:

“Secure, quality healthcare coverage has long been out of reach for many Latino families who work hard but simply cannot afford the skyrocketing cost of healthcare. Today’s report by the National Council of La Raza and Families USA underscores what physicians, nurses and healthcare workers have witnessed with growing concern: if Republican plans to gut Medicaid and take away the benefits of the Affordable Care Act become reality, millions of Americans will be harmed, but the harm to Latino communities would be exponentially greater.

“Medicaid covers one of every two Latino children across this country. It covers one of every four adults. It ensures that the both the youngest members and elder members of Latino communities can see a doctor -- not an emergency room -- and can receive the kind of preventive care that can prevent more serious disease or illness. This is especially critical to Latinos – who experience far greater rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma.

“As SEIU members continue to reach out to their fellow Americans to urge Congress to protect Medicaid from extreme and devastating cuts, it is more important than ever that Latino communities take a stand for their health and for their future.”

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