Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) hosts HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra During a Healthcare Roundtable in Houston

Houston, Texas – Yesterday, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia hosted Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Xavier Becerra, during a healthcare roundtable in Houston, Texas.

Secretary Becerra announced HHS' new healthcare report which shows significant improvements in health insurance coverage attainment for minorities, including Latinos, during 2021 and 2022. According to the report, Latino consumers saw a 53 percent increase in enrollment through Healthcare.Gov's 2021 enrollment period. These results were produced by strengthening Affordable Care Act (ACA) education, improved outreach materials, and by Democrats passing key legislation – like the American Rescue Plan.

"As the Representative for a district that is 77% Latino, I'm proud to see the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts producing remarkable results in minority healthcare access," said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. "Many residents, like those in my district, have historically struggled to secure health insurance because of systemic barriers. This report proves Democrats are helping America make progress on the healthcare coverage front. However, more still must be done to ensure everyone has access to affordable and high-quality healthcare. That's why I was proud to strongly support Biden's Inflation Reduction Law in Congress which will allow most consumers to find health coverage for less than $10 a month through the Affordable Care Act."

"Access to high-quality, affordable health care is top priority of the Biden-Harris Administration, and the Affordable Care Act is central in our efforts to increase access for America's families," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "This report shows that our efforts are working, including among Black, Latino, and American Indian and Alaska Native consumers. The uninsured rate is at a record low in the country, but we know we have more to do to close gaps in coverage and increase equity. That's why HHS is focused on building on these coverage gains during this next Open Enrollment Season starting on November 1. I encourage anyone and everyone to check out their plan options on HealthCare.gov – thanks to the President's Inflation Reduction Act, four out of five consumers will be able to find high-quality coverage for less than ten dollars a month."

All are encouraged to learn more about the ACA Marketplace ahead of the Open Enrollment period for 2023 which begins November 1 by visiting Healthcare.Gov. A recording of the program featuring Secretary Becerra can be viewed here. To read the full report, visit HHS' website.

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Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary, Financial Services, and Armed Services Committees.