WASHINGTON, DC - As we commemorate the second anniversary of the Affordable Care Act this Friday, it’s worth taking a look at the many ways this landmark health reform law is making a difference in the lives of Americans, especially Latinos who suffer disproportionately from a lack of access to coverage.

Thirty two percent of Latinos were uninsured in 2009 – higher than any other racial or ethnic group – and half of Latinos did not have a regular doctor, compared to only one-fifth of white Americans. And twenty percent of low-income Hispanic youth have gone a year without a health care visit. When you look at these numbers, it’s clear that the Affordable Care Act has had and will continue to have a profound effect on the health of the Latino community.

Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis wrote an op-ed this past week for ImpreMedia on the Affordable Care Act and Latinos in which she highlighted that “Too often because of cost, Latinos don’t get the preventive care they need to stay healthy. This is particularly true during tough economic times, when many are forced to forego health services for other needs, like rent or groceries. A recent study found that 6.1 million Latinos gained prevention coverage in their private insurance plans in 2011.”

Throughout the week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has highlighted how the new law has:

Helped more than 5.1 million people with Medicare save over $3.2 billion| en español.

Provided more than 45 million women access to preventive health care services| en español.

Helped young adults get and keep affordable health coverage.

Made it possible for nine states ...