For Immediate Release
July 11, 2012
Washington, D.C. – Anti-health reform members in the U.S. House of Representatives made a largely symbolic vote today to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—less than two weeks after a historic Supreme Court ruling declared the law constitutional. The ACA has already provided coverage options for 97,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander young adults who have been able to remain on their parent’s insurance plans and nearly 3 million Asian Americans have received preventive health care at no cost.
“Unfortunately, opponents continue to attack the Affordable Care Act—despite the law’s proven benefits,” said Kathy Lim Ko, APIAHF president and CEO. “This continued assault on health reform ignores the nation’s health care needs while millions struggle to afford quality care. House leadership needs to accept that the Supreme Court has already ruled the law is constitutional and allow the law to be implemented.”
Since 2010, APIAHF has worked with Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities and policy makers to implement the law. APIAHF defended the ACA in an amicus brief to the Supreme Court that was joined by nearly 40 Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander health and advocacy organizations from around the nation and highlighted the real impact the law has already had—and will continue to have—on their communities. Additionally, APIAHF has worked with state-based community organizations and partnered with national advocacy groups to promote the benefits of the ACA, while working to ensure that AA and NHPI communities are included in deliberations at the local level on implementation.
The ACA is a major achievement for communities of color and other underserved populations. APIAHF will continue to defend the ACA against attempts to repeal the advances that have been made and will work to ensure that the law is fully implemented.
For more information about health care reform, visit our Health Care Reform Resource center here.