The priority of the day for Latino voters is the healthcare reform bill currently being debated in Congress. Latinos are following the debate carefully and are clear in their preference for a government insurance plan for those without access to coverage, yet a large percentage of the community feel ignored by their representatives.

The profile of Latino voters emerging from an opinion poll conducted by ImpreMedia, Latino Decisions, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center for Health Policy at the University of New Mexico, shows that concern about the healthcare system has risen to the top of the list of priorities, especially among those born in the United States. The crisis caused by the lack of health insurance or inadequate coverage is a problem that extends beyond minorities. To greater or lesser degrees, most Americans risk bankruptcy with a serious illness and health insurance that denies coverage – Hispanics are no exception.

At the same time, it is significant that nearly three-quarters of those interviewed are in favor of creating a public option, an opinion reflected throughout diverse communities in many states in the nation. It is clear that experiences with private insurance companies have not been the best, while the antigovernment fervor felt in other sectors of society has not taken root among Latinos. What is true is that there is broad and deep interest in expanding health coverage.

So we are concerned that only half of those surveyed feel their interests are being considered as reforms are undertaken in Washington, D.C. Latino voters have played an active role in the political process and public officials vie for their votes during elections. Now is the time to listen to what Hispanics have to say about the country's priorities and the direction the reforms should take.

Healthcare is an issue of fundamental importance and the Latino community has a great deal at stake in this debate. Federal lawmakers should respond to these voters' concerns if they want their support at the polls come election time.