WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the Senate voted 51-50 to pass the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie. This monumental bill would fight inflation, battle climate change, and reduce the cost of prescription drugs, as well as lower the costs of health insurance premiums for American families.
Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) released the following statement:
“We applaud Senate Democrats for successfully passing this landmark legislation, after months of intense negotiations and an hours-long debate during which amendments to undermine the bill was introduced. This legislation is the greatest achievement in health care legislation since the Affordable Care Act.
“The Inflation Reduction Act will lower the cost of health care coverage for millions of Americans by extending Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years, which impacts nearly 200,000 Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders, and an estimated 50,000 will continue to be eligible for zero-premium Marketplace plans with these subsidies.
“For the first time ever, this bill allows Medicare to negotiate the prices of medicines directly and caps out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries at $2,000 per year. By reining in health care costs, this legislation will provide better access to affordable health care for underserved families, particularly for families of color.
APIAHF urges the House for a swift vote on this legislation so that the bill can be signed into law by President Biden in the coming days.”
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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.