WASHINGTON—Today, President Biden signed two executive orders strengthening access to quality, affordable health care for millions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Juliet K. Choi, chief executive officer of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) released the following statement:
“We applaud President Biden for his decisive action to make sure Americans have every opportunity to secure health care. With today’s executive orders, this White House will re-open enrollment to the Health Insurance Marketplace, take additional steps to strengthen Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and protect women’s health.
Through the ACA, more than 20 million people – including two million Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) – have gained life-saving health coverage and greater protections against racial and gender discrimination.
As the country continues to battle against the COVID-19 pandemic and so many more families are losing employer-sponsored health coverage, the twin aim of a marketplace special enrollment period from February 15 and through May 15 and strengthening Medicaid, will help stem the tide and mitigate against the devastating disparities communities of color face. All Americans deserve access to quality care, and no family should be left to deal with COVID-19 without health care coverage.
We look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration in enhancing and protecting access to care for all AANHPI communities.”
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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.