Spanish-language version of health insurance website delayed

    The launch of a Spanish-language version of healthcare.gov has been delayed until December.

    A “soft launch” of the full Spanish language version of the site called CuidadoDeSalud is expected early next month.Judith Ferguson, administrative manager for the health division at the nonprofit Congreso in Philadelphia, said the delay has not had a big impact because Congreso staff can translate.

    “I do think that the CuidadoDeSalud may be more beneficial for someone who may not need the certified application counselor assistance,” she said. “So some of the clients who are coming to us for assistance, do not read or write and do not have computer skills.

    “CuidadoDeSalud would be great for some of our clients that are more independent,” she said.

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    Most people would prefer to be talked through the process in person because the options are confusing, said Jane Delgado, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health.

    “They talk a lot about Bronze, Gold, Silver, or platinum and catastrophic. Unless you watch the Olympics, something is bronze, gold or silver, it’s not going to mean much to you in English or other languages,” said Delgado.

    “Part of it is explaining to people what those means is going to take time. Especially if you have not had health insurance,” she added.

    One-third of Latinos in the U.S. are uninsured. An nearly 38 million Latinos speak predominantly Spanish at home.

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