AA and NHPI communities are extraordinarily diverse with dozens of different cultures and languages. Discrimination related to culture, language, affordability, and restrictions on legal immigrants continue to impose major barriers to accessing quality health care for AAs and NHPIs.

The design of the Essential Health Benefits (EHBs) will have a direct impact on the health and well-being of over 70 million Americans. EHB design will also have tremendous impact across our health care system and is a central component of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). A uniform and comprehensive package of essential health benefits has the potential to improve the health and health care of the 2.4 million uninsured Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) thanks the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the opportunity to comment on and voice our opposition to the Interim Final Rule excluding DACA-eligible youth from accessing many of the affordable health insurance options available under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Dear Secretary Sebelius:

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) thanks the Center for Consumer Information Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the opportunity to comment on the recent “Essential Health Benefits Bulletin” (“Bulletin”) dated December 16, 2011, outlining HHS’ regulatory approach to the development of the essential health benefits package pursuant to Section 1302 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).