Week 4 critical analysis

Friday, May 13, 2016

National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health

Statement on Federal Nondiscrimination Protections

by HHS Press Release

Washington

RaeAnn Roca Pickett, Senior Director of Communications & Public Affairs Phone: 202 621 1409 Email:

[email protected]

Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act prohibits discrimination and protects Latinxs

Washington, D.C. —The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the final

regulation implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which prohibits discrimination

on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in health care by certain covered

entities. The Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) nondiscrimination provision is the first federal civil rights law

ever to broadly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded health programs.

Ann Marie Benitez, senior director of government relations for the National Latina Institute for

Reproductive Health (NLIRH), issued the following statement:

“We thank the Administration for issuing the final rule on ACA Section 1557 and believe it will contribute

to the health equity of our communities, promote equal access to healthcare for all, and increase

affordability and accessibility of coverage and care for all individuals. ACA Section 1557 is the first

federal civil rights law that has prohibited sex discrimination in healthcare and we thank the

Administration for taking this important step in ensuring access to quality health care for all by providing

necessary clarity on this essential provision. Thanks to the advocacy of many organizations, including

NLIRH, the final rule does not include a new religious exemption to its implementation.”

For more information on how NLIRH is working to protect, enroll and ensure access, visit us at

latinainstitute.org or on Facebook and Twitter @NLIRH.

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The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health is the only national reproductive justice

organization dedicated to building Latina power to advance health, dignity, and justice for 28 million

Latinas, their families and communities in the United States through leadership development, community

mobilization, policy advocacy, and strategic communications.