Blogs

The deadline to enroll in 2015 coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplaces is February 15. I urge all American Indians and Alaska Natives to go to localhelp.healthcare.gov to see what benefits are available to you and to ensure that you have health coverage for 2015.

Each year in the U.S., 1,500 babies are born with spina bifida, a birth defect caused by lack of folic acid in the mother’s diet. Spina bifida, like many other birth defects, can be prevented.

Nothing is more important to us than our family. We cherish time together, every birthday party, holiday gathering and special celebration. And we shouldn’t let glaucoma make us lose sight of these deeply treasured traditions.

February 7 marks the 15th year of the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day observance. This day is a call to action for communities across the country to come together to reduce the burden of HIV and AIDS in Black America.

Like so many Americans, I have seen the tragedy first hand, of friends lost to HIV/ AIDS. I’ve also seen the hope of those living with HIV as we continue to work toward an AIDS free generation.

Like so many Americans, I have seen the tragedy first hand, of friends lost to HIV/ AIDS. I’ve also seen the hope of those living with HIV as we continue to work toward an AIDS free generation.

Young adults historically faced unique challenges in obtaining health insurance coverage. In 2009, nearly one-third of young adults ages 19-25 lacked health insurance, more than twice the rate for Americans overall.

The summer after he graduated from college, Kalwis Lo learned he had stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that attacks the lymphatic system. His private health insurance plan denied him coverage for treatment, claiming the cancer diagnosis was a “pre-existing condition.”

When Astrid Muhammad heard her phone ring this past Friday, the last thing she expected was a call from the White House inviting her to attend this year’s State of the Union as a guest of the first lady.

As we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we can also commemorate a significant milestone on our journey toward health equity.

Ever feel like the holiday season goes by in one hectic blur, leaving you exhausted and in need of some R&R? This year, in between the school recital, the office party and the trip to visit family, slow down and take a few minutes to give yourself something special – the gift of health care – and get covered.

To reach more Americans across the country with important information for how to get health care coverage for 2015, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced new public and private partnerships during the early weeks of Open Enrollment. Last week, the department launched the first-of-its-kind partnership between HHS and the electronic cash transactions company PayNearMe to reach financially underserved and other cash-preferring consumers.

Coming down with the flu is more than an inconvenience. It can result in lost work days and wages, unnecessary medical bills and, at its most extreme, life threatening complications. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pockets of the U.S. are already seeing an uptick in influenza activity.

If you live with HIV or AIDS or you know someone who does, you know how important it is to stay healthy. As we work together toward a healthy, AIDS-free generation, World AIDS Day is a great time to highlight some recent changes to health insurance and new opportunities for persons living with HIV/AIDS to get covered, get care, and stay healthy.

Earnest, 59, and Sharon, 57, have been married 22 years. This is their story about what getting coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace meant to them.