HHS launches CuidadoDeSalud.gov
WASHINGTON The Department of Health and Human Services on Sept. 8 unveiled CuidadoDeSalud.gov, a website designed to help Hispanic consumers take control of their health care by connecting them to new information and resources that will help them access quality, affordable healthcare coverage.
Consistent with the mandate in the Affordable Care Act to provide consumers with information and resources to make informed healthcare decisions, CuidadoDeSalud.gov is the partner site of HealthCare.gov, which was launched in July 2010.
"CuidadoDeSalud.gov, like HealthCare.gov, is an unprecedented website that provides consumers with the power of information at their fingertips," stated HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "Individuals, families and small businesses will be able to easily compare both public and private health coverage options tailored specifically for their needs … [by providing] better information about the choices they have, how much they cost and what they can expect from their doctor — specific to their life situation and local community."
In addition, the website is a one-stop shop for information about the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, as well as other healthcare resources. The website connects consumers to quality rankings for local healthcare providers, as well as preventive services.
The initiative is particularly important for Latinos, HHS stated, as that demographic has the highest rates of uninsurance in the nation — more than 1-in-3 Latinos are uninsured. Latinos only are half as likely to have a usual source of primary care, and half of Latinos do not have a regular doctor. As many as 20% of low-income Latino youth have gone a year without a healthcare visit –– a rate three times higher than that of high-income whites.
In addition, HHS noted that Latinos disproportionately suffer from such chronic health diseases as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and that Latinas have disproportionate rates of cervical cancer, which they contract at twice the rate of white women.
In October 2010, CuidadoDeSalud.gov will include price estimates for health insurance plans. In the weeks and months ahead, new information on preventing disease and illness and improving the quality of health care for all Americans will also be posted.