In Washington State, as in the U.S. generally, the pandemic does not affect all residents equally. State data reveal that Hispanic (Latinx) residents make up 35% of COVID-19 cases although they comprise only 13% of the state population. In King County, residents who are Hispanic, Black, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander suffer significantly more COVID-19 infections and deaths, according to public health data. And the death rate for Hispanics is two-and-a-half times higher than their white neighbors. Individuals over age 60 and individuals with chronic health conditions are also affected disproportionately, yet they lack access to affordability assistance and comprehensive coverage comparable to what is provided to younger adults without disabilities.

The pandemic makes it clear that access to health coverage and care for all Washingtonians – especially immigrants – is vital to our collective health. Yet many residents, particularly immigrants, are unable to purchase and maintain health insurance. As people lose jobs, entire families lose employer-sponsored coverage. For undocumented immigrants who lose employer-based coverage there is no safety net as they are barred from accessing Qualified Health Plans and Medicaid coverage is extremely limited. 

Immigrants in our community who are uninsured lack access to affordable health coverage programs that provide testing and treatment of COVID-19 infections and related conditions, affecting the safety of all of us. While Alien Emergency Medical (AEM) now covers COVID-19 related testing and treatment, this expanded coverage is limited to the federally designated emergency period, is only available to those with income at or below 138% FPL, and stops shortly after a hospital discharge.

The data is clear. The inequities persist. We need to fix the health coverage gaps. The time to act is now.

–Huma Zarif, NoHLA Staff Attorney