Condición Crítica

Even with access to health insurance or public assistance programs, many Hispanics do not use their benefits to the maximum. Cultural barriers, limited English, and the high cost of deductibles are some of the reasons Hispanics do not look for or cannot obtain medical or preventive services. This is the case of Juan Girón, a Medicare beneficiary in Washington, D.C., who has fallen through the cracks because of his inability to navigate the system.

About Condición Crítica

Condición Crítica is an hour-long television special that brings attention to disparities in health status and health care in the Hispanic community and the importance of prevention. The show tells the personal stories of Hispanics who live with disease and chronic health problems; struggle to pay for their medications or medical bills; do not have the luxury of visiting a doctor when they have a pain that might be the sign of something more serious; and have "fallen through the cracks" because, though insured, their out-of-pocket medical costs are too high. The show also highlights some of the people and organizations that are serving those in need and the growing trend of travelling overseas for medical care.

The show is hosted by Dr. Elmer Huerta, a renowned specialist in prevention. Other nationally recognized experts in the show include:

• Dr. Maria Rosa, National Council of La Raza
• Yanira Cruz, President, National Hispanic Council on Aging
• Dr. Ciro Sumaya, National Hispanic Medical Association
• Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, Partnership on Prevention
• Dr. Annette Ramirez, Latinos for National Health Insurance