Small business tax incentives, along with more Spanish language and Latino-specific health programs, are needed to reduce uninsured rates among the Latino population, according to a report by the Latino Coalition, the Houston Chronicle reports. According to the coalition, many Latinos are employed by small businesses that do not offer health insurance. Most Latino adults lack employer-provided insurance coverage, the report states. In addition, Latinos have the highest uninsured rates among all ethnic groups, and one-fifth of Latino children are uninsured. Meanwhile, Latinos face a higher risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, than non-Latinos. Government officials should consider these statistics when establishing health programs, the study finds. The group calls for tax incentives for small businesses that would reduce taxes by one dollar for every dollar contributed into health savings accounts. It also urges increased efforts to enroll Latino children into federally funded insurance programs, such as Medicaid and SCHIP, and recommends more funding for community health centers that offer no-cost or low-cost health services in areas with high Latino populations. "These strategies are doable and easy to achieve," Latino Coalition President Robert de Posada said, adding, "We are tired of waiting for people to act" (Tran, Houston Chronicle, 9/14).

The report is available online. Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the report.