Federal Government Launches Health-Care Info Website for Latinos

Based on the premise that figuring out the new health-care laws can be difficult for anyone, especially those who don't speak English, the federal government has launched a new Spanish-language website to overcome the language obstacle.

Cuidadodesalude.gov was designed to help Latinos find answers to information on the Affordable Health Care Act passed about six months ago.

With one in three Latinos uninsured nationwide, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says the Hispanic community may have the greatest need for this resource.

"At the very core, the website is about breaking down barriers that stand between Latinos and the care they need," said Sebelius on a conference call Thursday.

The English version, healthcare.gov, went up in July.

The site guides users to what insurance options meet the needs of families or individuals, and where people can go to get help in their state by answering a few simple questions.

"The intent really is to make it as easy and understandable as possible for the regular user," said Stephanie Valencia Ramirez, a White House public engagement spokesperson.

Sebelius also says she is convinced that small-business owners will find the website helpful because they now will have access to a full menu of choices for meeting the insurance needs of their employees without having to rely so heavily on brokers.

Several new consumer protections within the Health Care Act take effect on Sept. 23.