ACA broadened protections for AA and NHPI communities
WASHINGTON – Today, the Supreme Court heard arguments regarding the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate in California v. Texas. In this case, the Trump administration and Republican state officials seek to end the ACA’s lifesaving provisions, including protections for people with preexisting conditions, protections for people of color, immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals, prescription-drug coverage, and maternity care.
The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) has strongly advocated in support of the ACA, including in amicus briefs before the Court in 2012 and 2015. Juliet K. Choi, chief executive officer of APIAHF released the following statement:
“As the entire world struggles to overcome the greatest global public health pandemic in modern times, with over 10 million cases of COVID-19 in the United States alone, efforts to dismantle the ACA are cruel and dangerous. Let us be clear, the ACA has helped over 20 million Americans, who would otherwise be uninsured, gain access to affordable health care including many Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. In addition to enrolling more families and individuals into affordable health plans, the ACA provides groundbreaking civil rights protections for vulnerable communities.
The ACA has already survived multiple challenges, whether by Congress or in the courts, and it is indefensible that politicians are still holding access to affordable health care hostage for political convenience and political gain. Voters have the power to elect representatives who have the political will, decency and compassion to protect our families and their health. With our collective community voice, we will, and we must, continue to hold our elected leaders accountable to ensure all Americans have access to affordable and equitable health care.“
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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.