New Ad Seeks Health Reform for Undocumented Immigrants
This week, the California Endowment launched a television advertising campaign supporting health reform efforts that would benefit undocumented immigrants, the Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert" reports.
The ad is airing in:
- Los Angeles;
- Sacramento; and
- The San Francisco Bay Area (Sanders, "Capitol Alert," Sacramento Bee, 3/12).
Background
Under the Affordable Care Act, undocumented immigrants are excluded from new coverage opportunities, including state health insurance exchanges and Medicaid expansions. Lawful immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for less than five years may participate in health insurance exchanges and obtain subsidies if income-qualified, but in many states do not qualify for Medicaid.
California officials and health care providers are considering different strategies for treating immigrants who will remain uninsured after implementation of the ACA (California Healthline, 10/24/12).
Details of Ad
The 60-second ad is being aired on several cable and broadcast stations.
It features young undocumented immigrants who note that the ACA aims to ensure that U.S. residents of all income levels have access to health care.
In the ad, one undocumented immigrant asks, "Doesn't it make more sense to keep us all healthy instead of treating us after we get sick?"
Discussing the health of undocumented immigrants, Daniel Zingale -- senior vice president of the California Endowment -- said, "Our future is connected to theirs, and the health of the state, the prosperity of the state, depends on the health of the entire population of the state" ("Capitol Alert," Sacramento Bee, 3/12). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.