For Immediate Release March 24, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC - The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) today urged the U.S. Senate to make additional improvements to our nation's health care system by quickly passing the House-passed Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872).

"Over one-in-six Asian Americans and one-in-four Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are uninsured, and we cannot afford further delay in passing the Reconciliation Act," said Kathy Lim Ko, president and chief executive officer of APIAHF. "The increased funding for community health centers and other programs will go a long way in providing care in our diverse communities and ending the health disparities that our communities face."

The Reconciliation Act provides $11 billion in funding to community health centers for 2011-2015, provides low- and middle-income individuals with tax credits for the purchase of health coverage through newly created health care Exchanges, improves Medicaid funding for the U.S. Territories, and closes the Medicare "donut hole," among other important reforms.

"The enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act earlier this week was a seminal moment in our history and created important advancements in this nation's health system," said Deeana Jang, policy director of APIAHF. "Additional delays could place these improvements at risk. The U.S. Senate needs to act quickly to bring greater security and stability to our families and communities."

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.