Latino Obamacare Enrollment Spikes in Pro-Trump Zones Amid Repeal Threats

On Dec 16, 2023

TL/DR –

The Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” is popular among Latino communities in Miami, with around 3.4 million Hispanics across the U.S. signed up for health insurance through the program. Despite a shift towards Republican support in these areas and criticism of Obamacare by figures like former president Donald Trump, the program continues to draw support due to its coverage of pre-existing conditions. Local insurance agents dubbed the “Obamacare godmothers” have helped to enroll tens of thousands of people in the area, reflecting the significant role of the program in these communities.

In Miami, Latino Residents Rally to Renew Obamacare Health Coverage

In a bustling Miami food court, Latino residents are drawn to signs advertising ‘Obamacare’, where they aim to renew their health coverage plans before the year sets. This region is a hotbed of support for the former President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul, with an influx of Republican support in recent years.

Biden’s Campaign Focusing on Obamacare

President Joe Biden’s campaign is capitalizing on this, spotlighting Trump’s criticism of “Obamacare” as a strategy for the anticipated 2024 rematch. “The Republican Party’s supporters would be against Obamacare’s abrupt removal,” states Odalys Arevalo, a health insurance agency managing partner in Miami.

Miami’s Obamacare Godmothers

Arevalo and her business partner, Mercy Cabrera, established enrollment centers to aid people in understanding the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplaces. Their work has led to the enrolment of thousands of Latinos, earning them the title “Obamacare Godmothers”, signifying their significant role in the Latino community.

Obamacare Popularity in Miami

‘Obamacare’ is visible across Miami and its popularity is affirmed by federal data. An estimated 3.4 million Hispanics have health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, with Florida topping enrollment figures and Miami-Dade county having the most enrollees. Despite this, Florida remains one of 10 states that has not expanded Medicaid coverage under the health care law.

Trump’s Anti-Obamacare Stance

Trump recently criticized the cost of Obamacare on his Truth Social site and expressed his continued commitment to terminate it. The Miami Herald labeled these plans as exceedingly out of touch with voters. Biden’s campaign quickly responded, with Nikki Fried, the chair of the Florida Democratic Party, highlighting Miami-Dade County’s reliance on Obamacare.

Obamacare Favorability Among Hispanics

According to a KFF poll, 66% of Hispanics have a favorable opinion of the Affordable Care Act. A substantial 77% of Latino voters in Florida believe health care coverage for all Americans should be a federal government responsibility.

Obamacare’s Impact on Immigrants

Zulina Ruiz, a Venezuelan immigrant, is particularly grateful for her access to drugs through the Affordable Care Act to manage her high blood pressure. Ruiz warns that a candidate cannot erase this program without leaving millions of low-income people uninsured.

Biden’s Campaign Ads

Biden’s reelection campaign contrasts Biden’s efforts to lower drug costs with Trump’s vow to repeal Obamacare in targeted advertisements. ‘Obamacare, Trumpcare, whatever’ – the essential point is that everyone has access to health insurance, states Arevalo.

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