​APIAHF - Our Board OUR BOARD — NEAL SHAH, JD, MPH CHAIRPERSON SHERI HAMAMOTO BOYLE, PhD, MSW VICE CHAIR KARIN WANG, JD SECRETARY ALBERT SHEN TREASURER JENNIFER "JAE" REQUIRO AT LARGE BLEU BLAKSLEE NELLY GANESAN SOHINI GUPTA CHANG RIM NA, MD, MPH JEANETTE QUICK, JD JENNIFER RASING SHELDON RIKLON, MD JEFFREY S. ROH, MD, MBA, MSc HEANG K. TAN SHAO-CHEE SIM, PhD, MPA

ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment refers to the period of time that takes place each fall where individuals and families can come together to compare and select health plans for the coming year. Plans change every year so it is important for people to evaluate which plan best suits their needs. PUBLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (ACA) MARKETPLACE OPEN ENROLLMENT UPDATED AS OF OCTOBER 27, 2025 — LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PUBLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES Expanding Access to Healthcare HIV Education & Outreach Tuberculosis Elimination Outreach Capacity Building Initiatives AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (ACA) MARKETPLACE OPEN ENROLLMENT UPDATED AS OF NOVEMBER 18, 2025 DOWNLOAD One Pager: Substantive Changes in the ACA Marketplace During the 2025-2026 Open Enrollment Period (OEP) Download in Korean Download in Vietnamese Download in Vietnamese - cobranded SEACMA Download in Simplified Chinese Download in Traditional Chinese Download in Marshallese Download in Arabic Download in Samoan Download in Samoan - cobranded OCAPICA Download in Tagalog Download in Spanish WEBINAR RECORDING: APIAHF x AAPCHO ACA Marketplace Webinar WATCH NOW On October 28th, 2025, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) in partnership with Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO), National Health Law Program (NHeLP), North East Medical Services (NEMS), and Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) held a webinar to break down updates to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace from the recently-enacted H.R.1 and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Marketplace Final Rule. Panelists also discussed how these changes apply to the 2025-2026 Open Enrollment Period that starts on November 1, 2025 and anticipated impacts for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. What is the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace Open Enrollment? ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment refers to the period of time that takes place each fall where individuals and families can come together to compare and select health plans for the coming year. Plans change every year so it is important for people to evaluate which plan best suits their current needs. WHO QUALIFIES FOR A PLAN? To qualify for a Marketplace plan you must: Live in the United States Be a United States citizen or national, or be lawfully present (learn more about eligible immigration statuses) Not be incarcerated IMMIGRATION-RELATED CHANGES IN MARKETPLACE DACA recipients are now ineligible for discounted ACA Marketplace coverage. DACA recipients may still enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan (without assistance) or may be eligible for other low/no-cost state insurance options. Lawfully present immigrants with income below 100% FPL are ineligible for premium tax credits (PTCs) beginning January 1, 2026. KEY DATES Some states have their own ACA exchanges and have different date ranges for the 2026 Open Enrollment Period. NOV 1 2025 Open Enrollment starts for 2026. DEC 15 2025 Enroll by this date for coverage that starts January 1, 2026. DEC 31 2025 Coverage ends for 2025 Marketplace plans. JAN 1 2026 Coverage begins for 2026 plans chosen by December 15, 2025. JAN 15 2026 Open Enrollment ends for 2026. FEB 1 2026 Coverage begins for 2026 plans chosen between December 16, 2025, and January 15, 2026. ARE YOU READY TO ENROLL? Visit healthcare.gov now for your health plan or call 1-800-318-2596 ; TTY: 1-855-889-4325. Explore your ACA Marketplace for some states below, or sign up for coverage from the Federal Marketplace Exchange HERE. Find Your State Marketplace California Connecticut Colorado Georgia District of Columbia Idaho Kentucky Maine Maryland Massachusetts Minnesota Nevada New Jersey New Mexico New York Pennsylvania Rhode Island Vermont Virginia Washington PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION To prepare for your application you will need the following documents: Documents confirming your income Documents confirming your immigration status Documents confirming your United States citizenship Documents confirming you gained a dependent due to an adoption, foster care placement, or court order Documents if you have a data matching issue Refer to this enrollment checklist for additional information you should have ready for your application. IMPORTANT UPDATES In 2021, the federal government passed the American Rescue Plan into law which includes provisions that expands benefits for those enrolled in or looking to enroll into ACA Marketplace plans. These benefits were further expanded upon by the Inflation Reduction Act which was signed into law in 2022. These benefits include: Expansion and an increase in Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) which help enrollees cover insurance premiums on health care plans purchased through the Marketplace. You might be eligible for one of these credits if you meet all of the following: Will have an annual household income above 400% of the federal poverty level Will not file a Married Filing Separately federal income tax return Must file a federal income tax return or be claimed as a tax filer’s dependent Must be enrolled in coverage through a Marketplace for one or more months of the year Are not eligible for or enrolled in other minimum essential coverage such as Medicaid or Medicare If you qualify for Medicare, the Inflation Reduction Act will save you money in the following ways: Medicare Part D improvements: Will have their insulin capped at $35 a month Will be able to access recommended vaccines such as the shingles vaccine at no cost Will have out-of-pocket costs capped at $2,000 a year Will have the option to make use of the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan which will allow enrollees the option to spread their out-of-pocket prescription drug costs out throughout the year Expansion of the low-income subsidy program (LIS or “Extra Help”) under Medicare Part D to 150% of the federal poverty level starting in 2024 INFORMATION FOR DACA RECIPIENTS Important update for DACA recipients & consumers with certain other immigration statuses On December 9, 2024, the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota issued a preliminary injunction in Kansas v. United States of America (Case No. 1:24-cv-00150) partially blocking implementation of a final rule. This final rule allowed Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and individuals in certain other noncitizen groups to enroll in a qualified health plan (QHP) through the Health Insurance Marketplace® (if otherwise eligible) for plan years 2024 and 2025, effective on November 1, 2024. As a result of the preliminary injunction, Marketplace enrollment has been placed on hold for these groups in the 19 states that are involved in the lawsuit. These states are: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. All of those states except Idaho, Kentucky, and Virginia are served by the Federal Marketplace platform on HealthCare.gov . To comply with this court order, DACA recipients and other noncitizens covered by the rule who reside in the above 19 plaintiff states shouldn't attest to having eligible immigration status in applications for Marketplace coverage. To further comply with the Court’s order, on December 26, 2024 the Marketplace will make a technical change so that DACA recipients and those other noncitizens covered by the rule who attest to lawful presence aren’t eligible for Marketplace coverage in the 16 states above served by HealthCare.gov . Following that technical change, the Marketplace will cancel any enrollments for 2025 Marketplace coverage selected by DACA recipients and other noncitizens covered by the rule in the 16 states. The insurance company will refund any premiums paid for that 2025 coverage. DACA recipients and those other noncitizens covered by the rule who enrolled in 2024 Marketplace coverage will have their Marketplace enrollment terminated at the end of the month and won’t have Marketplace coverage starting in 2025. The Marketplace will send a letter about ineligibility for coverage to DACA recipients and those other noncitizens covered by the rule in the 16 states. We encourage impacted consumers who had a change in their immigration status since they applied for Marketplace coverage to update their Marketplace application with their new immigration status. Check back for updates before January 15 when Marketplace Open Enrollment ends . On October 30th, 2024, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) in partnership with the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) held a webinar to discuss the new eligibility of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients to enroll in Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace plans. Experts discussed necessary information for DACA recipients to understand their options for enrollment, the Special Enrollment Period, and how and where they can reach assistance for coverage. This information is current as of October 30th, 2024. In May of 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a final rule allowing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients to enroll into health coverage through the Marketplace. DACA recipients will be able to enroll into a Marketplace plan on November 1, 2024. DACA recipients will also be eligible for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) which can make health coverage more affordable. If you are a DACA recipient you are eligible for a special enrollment period, please see the dates below: Special Enrollment Period for DACA Recipients, Key Dates: November 1, 2024 : Open Enrollment starts for 2025. November 15, 2024 : Enroll by this date for coverage that starts December 1, 2024. December 1, 2024 : Coverage begins for 2025 plans chosen by November 15, 2024 Information for Disaster Victims If you live in an area where an emergency or disaster has been declared and that has impacted your ability to sign up for or switch or drop your plans during open enrollment, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period. During a FEMA declared major or emergency disaster event, individuals living in affected areas qualify for a special enrollment period. Click here to get disaster declaration information for your area or visit Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) for a list of impacted areas, TTY users can call 1-800-462-7585. For those living in Hurricane Milton or Hurricane Helene disaster areas and who are unable to enroll into or change their Marketplace plans during regular open enrollment, may qualify for a special enrollment period. Individuals will be given 60 days starting from the end of the FEMA designated incident period to enroll into a new Marketplace plan or make changes to their existing plan. To enter into this Special Enrollment Period, contact the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 ; TTY: 1-855-889-4325. Language Access Information Translated resources (Courtesy of Healthcare.gov) ACA Marketplace Brochure (English) 中文 | Chinese (PDF) ગુજરાતી | Gujarati (PDF) हिंदी | Hindi (PDF) 日本語 | Japanese (PDF) 한국인 | Korean (PDF) Tiếng Việt | Vietnamese (PDF) Tagalog (PDF) Questions to ask yourself when choosing a plan (English) 中文 | Chinese (PDF) ગુજરાતી | Gujarati (PDF) हिंदी | Hindi (PDF) 日本語 | Japanese (PDF) 한국인 | Korean (PDF) Tiếng Việt | Vietnamese (PDF) Tagalog (PDF) Get Covered: Things to know about the Health Insurance Marketplace (English) 中文 | Chinese (PDF) ગુજરાતી | Gujarati (PDF) हिंदी | Hindi (PDF) 日本語 | Japanese (PDF) 한국인 | Korean (PDF) Tiếng Việt | Vietnamese (PDF) Tagalog (PDF) Click Here to find Local Assistance on Healthcare.gov Enter your Zip Code or Use Your Current Location Click on the different filters that are applicable to you and your family Choose your language from the dropdown menu Click “Apply filter” for each filter you use Click Here to get information on getting contacted by an agent or broker. Enter your Zip Code Click “Search” Select how you would like to be contacted Choose your language from the dropdown menu Enter your contact information IN MOST STATES, ASSISTANCE WITH ENROLLMENT IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES CAN BE FOUND THROUGH LOCAL ASSISTANCE A . However, some states maintain their own Marketplaces and language assistance services can be provided through a state Marketplace website, by phone, or in-person. Language Access for State Marketplaces CALIFORNIA Visit Storefront Finder for Local Assistance Translated Website: 繁中 | Chinese Traditional: https://www.coveredca.com/chinese/ 中文| Chinese Simplified: https://www.coveredca.com/chinese-simplified/ Hmoob | Hmong: https://www.coveredca.com/hmong/ ខ្មែរ | Khmer: https://www.coveredca.com/khmer/ 한국어 | Korean: https://www.coveredca.com/korean/ ລາວ | Lao : https://www.coveredca.com/lao/ Tagalog: https://www.coveredca.com/tagalog/ Tiếng Việt | Vietnamese: https://www.coveredca.com/vietnamese/ Phone Language Access 粵語 | Cantonese (800) 339-8938 普通话 | Mandarin (800) 300-1533 Hmoob | Hmong (800) 771-2156 ខ្មែរ | Khmer (800) 906-8528 한국어 | Korean (800) 738-9116 Tagalog (800) 983-8816 ລາວ | Lao (800) 357-7976 Tiếng Việt | Vietnamese (800) 652-9528 COLORADO Visit Assistance Network Scheduler OR call (855) 752-6749; TTY: 1-855-695-5935 Other translated resources CONNECTICUT Visit Assistance Search OR call 1-855-805-4325; TTY: 1-855-789-2428 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Visit Get Help OR call (855) 532-5465; TTY: 711 Translated Website 中文 | Chinese: https://dchealthlink.com/chinese 한국어 | Korean: https://dchealthlink.com/korean Tiếng Việt | Vietnamese: https://dchealthlink.com/vietnamese GEORGIA Call (888) 687-1503; TTY: 711 IDAHO Visit Search for in-person assistance OR call 1-855-944-3246 To see the website in 中文| Chinese Simplified – click the drop-down list at the bottom of the page KENTUCKY Call 1-855-459-6328 MAINE Call (866) 636-0355 and select option “4” MARYLAND Call 1-855-642-8572 To see the website in a different language, use the dropdown menu at the top right corner of the website and select your language MASSACHUSETTS Call 1-877-623-6765; TTY: 711 To view the website in a different language use the dropdown menu at the top right of the website and select your language MINNESOTA Visit Assister Directory OR Call (651) 539-2099 or (855) 366-7873 Translated Website: Hmoob | Hmong: https://www.mnsure.org/hmong/index.jsp Tiếng Việt | Vietnamese: https://www.mnsure.org/vietnamese/index.jsp NEVADA Visit In-Person Assistance OR call 1-800-547-2927; TTY: 711 To view the website in a different language, use the Select Language dropdown at the top right of the website to select your language The Asian Community Development Council also provides in-language assistance for enrolling into healthcare: https://acdcnv.org/health-insurance/ NEW JERSEY Visit In-Person Assistance OR call 1-833-677-1010; TTY: 711 To view the website in a different language, go to the top right corner of the website and use the “Translate” drop down to select your language NEW MEXICO Visit Schedule An Appointment OR call 1-833-862-3935 To view the website in 中文| Chinese Simplified, go to the top right corner of the website and click the flag icon and select 中文| Chinese Simplified NEW YORK Visit Find an Assistor or Broker OR call 1-855-355-5777; TTY: 1-800- 662-1220 Translated Website: 繁中 | Chinese Traditional: https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/TraditionalChinese 中文| Chinese Simplified: https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/simplifiedchinese Translated Materials বাংলা | Bengali မြန်မာ | Burmese 中文 | Chinese (Simplified) 繁中 | Chinese (Traditional) हिंदी | Hindi 日本語 | Japanese ကညီ | Karen 한국어 | Korean नेपाली | Nepali Tagalog اردو | Urdu Tiếng Việt | Vietnamese PENNSYLVANIA Visit Search for in-person assistance Pennie OR Call 1-844- 844-8040, TTY: 771 To view the the website in a different language, go to the bottom right corner of the website and select your language from the dropdown menu RHODE ISLAND Visit Navigator Search OR call 1-855-840-4774; TTY: 1-888‐657-3173 To view the website in a different language, go to the top right corner of the website and select your language from the dropdown menu VERMONT Call 1-855-899-9600; TTY: 711 To view the website in a different language, go to the top right corner of the website and select your language from the dropdown menu VIRGINIA Call 1-888-687-1501 WASHINGTON Visit Navigator Search OR call 1-855-923-4633; TTY: 1-855-627-9604 You can also request free translated materials when you apply for health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder . The Washington Healthplanfinder also has translated resources for use: Language Recognition Card: 语言识别卡 भाषा पहचान कार्ड 言語識別カード ប័ណ្ណកំណត់អត្តសញ្ញាណភាសា 언어 식별 카드 د ژبې د پېژندنې کارت ਭਾਸ਼ਾ-ਪਛਾਣ ਕਾਰਡ Card ng Pagkakakilanlan sa Wika Thẻ Nhận Dạng Ngôn Ngữ Cost Sharing Reductions One-Pager (English) 费用分摊减除单页文件 कोस्ट-शेयरिंग कटौतियाँ एक ही पेज Cost-Sharing Reductions（コストシェアリング・リダクション）概要 ការកាត់បន្ថយការចែករំលែកថ្លៃ 비용분담 감면 원 페이저 ວັນເພເຈີກ່ຽວກັບການຫຼຸດຜ່ອນການຮ່ວມຈ່າຍ د روغتیا پاملرنې لګښتونو کمولو تخفیف یو مخ لرونکې سند ਲਾਗਤ-ਸਾਂਝੀ ਕਰਨ ਦੀਆਂ ਕਟੌਤੀਆਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਵਨ-ਪੇਜਰ Isang Pahina ng Pagbabawas ng Pagbabahagian ng Gastos Tax Credits One-Pager (English) 税项减免单页文件 टैक्स क्रेडिट एक ही पेज 税額控除概要 ឯកសារមួយទំព័រឥណទានពន្ធ 세액공제 원 페이저 ວັນເພເຈີກ່ຽວກັບເງິນຫຼຸດຢ່ອນພາສີ د کلیدي شرایطو لپاره د کارونکي لارښودنې ਟੈਕਸ ਕ੍ਰੈਡਿਟ ਵਨ-ਪੇਜਰ Isang Pahina ng mga Kredito sa Buwis Tài Liệu Về Tín Thuế Expanding Access to Health Insurance to All - FAQ (English) 扩大健康保险的普惠范围 Mở Rộng Khả Năng Tiếp Cận Bảo Hiểm Y Tế Cho Tất Cả Mọi Người Health Insurance Open to Everyone Trifold (English) 面向所有人的健康保险 स्वास्थ्य बीमा हर किसी के लिए ປະກັນສຸຂະພາບເປີດກວ້າງຕໍ່ກັບທຸກຄົນ د روغتیا بیمه د هرچا لپاره خلاصه ده ਸਾਰਿਆਂ ਲਈ ਸਿਹਤ ਬੀਮਾ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਹੈ Insurance sa Kalusugan na Bukas sa Lahat Bảo Hiểm Y Tế Mở Rộng Cho Mọi Người Guide to Health Insurance for Immigrants in Washington State (English) 华盛顿州 移民医疗保险指南 वॉशिंगटन राज्य में प्रवासियों के लिए स्वास्थ्य बीमा मार्गदर्शिका ワシントン州における移民のための健康保険ガイド សេចក្តីណែនាំអំពីការធានារ៉ាប់រងសុខភាពសម្រាប់ជនអន្តោប្រវេសន៍នៅក្នុងរដ្ឋវ៉ាស៊ីនតោន 워싱턴주 이민자를 위한 건강보험 가이드 ຄູ່ມືການປະກັນສຸຂະພາບສຳລັບຜູ້ອົບພະຍົບໃນລັດວໍຊິງຕັນ په واشنګټن ایالت کې د کډوالو لپاره د روغتیا بیمې په اړه لارښودنې ਵਾੱਸ਼ਿੰਗਟਨ ਸਟੇਟ ਵਿੱਚ ਪ੍ਰਵਾਸੀਆਂ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਸਿਹਤ ਬੀਮੇ ਲਈ ਗਾਈਡ Gabay sa Insurance Pangkalusugan para sa mga Imigrante sa Estado ng Washington Hướng Dẫn về Bảo Hiểm Y Tế dành cho Người Nhập Cư ở Tiểu Bang Washington Resources for those transitioning between Medicaid and the Marketplace Overview of transitioning out of Medicaid and CHIP and into the Marketplace (English) 中文 | Chinese हिंदी | Hindi 한국어 | Korean Tagalog Tiếng Việt | Vietnamese If you need assistance with transitioning out of Medicaid, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has implemented the Enrollment Assistance Program. Call (877) 864-4370 or you can select your state on the website and schedule an appointment for a consultation Resources for those providing assistance to enrollees If you plan on providing assistance to enrollees with their Marketplace plans, please visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for more information on becoming a Navigator or certified application counselor. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PUBLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES HIV Education & Outreach Tuberculosis Elimination Outreach Capacity Building Initiatives COVID-19 & Influenza

APRIL 7, 2025 PRESS RELEASE LEADING AANHPI HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS STATEMENT ON HHS REORGANIZATION APRIL 7, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL), and National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians (NCAPIP) raised concerns about the reorganization of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its potential consequences for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. “The reorganization of HHS must be undertaken with a firm commitment to addressing the health challenges and disparities that AANHPI communities continue to face,” said Juliet K. Choi, president & CEO of APIAHF. “We are concerned that the changes to HHS’s structure could inadvertently dilute resources that are essential to ensuring culturally and linguistically competent care for our communities. We urge HHS to ensure that the reorganization does not weaken efforts to tackle evidence-based persistent health disparities and access to services in local communities, and to progress our shared goal of helping all Americans.” AANHPI populations have long faced systemic barriers to healthcare access, including a lack of linguistically and culturally appropriate services, and significant disparities in chronic disease prevalence, the utilization of mental health services, and tobacco cessation. We are particularly alarmed by the dismantling of HHS regional offices, many of which work directly with AANHPI communities. These offices serve as critical points of engagement, providing essential services, outreach, and resources that support positive health outcomes in historically underserved communities. Their elimination could further isolate AANHPI populations from necessary healthcare services and mask the immediate needs from communities that are struggling. “We urge HHS to provide transparency and meaningful engagement with community stakeholders as it moves forward with this reorganization,” added Rod Lew, Executive Director of APPEA L. “The voices of AANHPI communities must be at the table to ensure their health needs are not overlooked. We remain committed to working with federal partners to ensure the health of our communities remains a central focus of all policy and organizational decisions.” “Our physicians are providing care to AANHPI patients in many settings, including community clinics, academic centers, small practices and public health settings,” remarked Winston Wong, MD, chair & CEO of NCAPIP . “These dramatic reductions to the HHS workforce directly impact the quality and availability of services to AANHPI patients and communities that rely on our physicians to meet their special cultural and linguistic needs.” # # # 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. # # # Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL) is a national organization working towards social justice and a tobacco-free Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) community. # # # NCAPIP was established 15 years ago to support physicians to meet the needs of their AANHPI communities. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

JULY 30, 2025 PRESS RELEASE 60 YEARS LATER, MEDICARE AND MEDICAID CUTS THREATEN HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITIES JULY 30, 2025 WASHINGTON —On the 60th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) is warning that recent cuts in the GOP tax and spending bill will devastate health care for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities and other vulnerable populations across the country. For six decades, these programs have formed the backbone of the American health care system, covering 134 million Americans and sustaining hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics nationwide. They are especially vital for AANHPIs: nearly one in four AANHPI children are insured through Medicaid, and millions of immigrant and low-income seniors rely on Medicare as their sole source of coverage. The $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) represent the largest rollback of health care in U.S. history. These cuts threaten to strip coverage from over 15 million people, drive up costs for millions more, and jeopardize the survival of safety-net providers that serve immigrant and underserved communities. Community health centers that offer culturally and linguistically appropriate services to AANHPIs are particularly at risk, raising the prospect of entire neighborhoods losing their only source of affordable care. Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of APIAHF issued the following: “Medicare and Medicaid have been lifelines for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander families for generations. For many in our communities, especially immigrant seniors and children with limited English proficiency, these programs are the difference between receiving care and going without. By gutting them, Congress and the President are dismantling the very safety net that keeps families healthy and hospitals open, all to benefit billionaires and large corporations. These cuts will deepen existing health disparities and put culturally competent care even further out of reach. “As costs rise and access shrinks, many immigrant families — particularly those in mixed-status households — will delay or forgo treatment entirely. This will exacerbate health inequities and reverse decades of progress in improving access for underserved communities. Medicare and Medicaid have ensured that generations of Americans, including millions of AANHPIs and other vulnerable groups, could access life-saving services. After 60 years of progress, these cuts threaten to drag the nation backward, placing politics and profits ahead of people’s health.” # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

JULY 4, 2025 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF CONDEMNS ENACTMENT OF H.R. 1 “ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT,” SLASHING MEDICAID AND ELIMINATING HEALTH COVERAGE FOR MILLIONS JULY 4, 2025 WASHINGTON —Today, President Donald J. Trump signed H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” into law—a sweeping federal funding package that dismantles Medicaid and jeopardizes access to health care for millions of Americans. The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) strongly denounces this legislation. Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, released the following statement: “Make no mistake: this law is a direct attack on the health and well‑being of our nation. By gutting Medicaid and cutting SNAP, H.R. 1 threatens the lives of children, seniors, people with disabilities, immigrants, and working families. Rather than supporting essential human services and investing in care, this legislation diverts critical resources to punitive immigration enforcement and enshrines high-income tax breaks. “APIAHF joined Black, Latino, disability, and rural advocates in fighting this bill’s most dangerous components, some of which have been removed. However, as the bill stands today, for the 4.5 million Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, including one million children and more than 800,000 AANHPI seniors who count on Medicaid, the consequences will be immediate and devastating. Families will skip lifesaving prescriptions, postpone cancer screenings, and face crushing medical debt. “APIAHF renews our commitment to addressing persistent health disparities and ensuring that affordable, quality healthcare is accessible to all. We will continue to work in partnership with community leaders and policy makers to ascertain the devastating impacts of today’s actions , mitigate the bill’s impacts, and advocate for our nation’s most vulnerable. ” Medicaid currently covers 78 million people nationwide or 1 in 5 Americans, including 4.5 million Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. H.R. 1 replaces guaranteed coverage with capped funding, shifting billions in costs to states. ACA marketplace policyholders will face a shortened annual open enrollment period and no longer be automatically reenrolled. SNAP cuts will eliminate food assistance for approximately 1.7 million households. # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

JUNE 10, 2025 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF DEEPLY CONCERNED BY HHS SECRETARY’S DECISION TO REMOVE ALL ACIP MEMBERS JUNE 10, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) expresses serious concern over the recent decision by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to announce plans to remove all current members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a longstanding body of medical and public health experts that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on immunization guidelines. This move threatens to undermine decades of scientific progress, community trust, and evidence-based public health policymaking. “ACIP plays a vital role in protecting public health, particularly for historically underserved communities, including Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations,” said Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of APIAHF. “Removing this independent advisory body erodes trust in science and could dangerously politicize vaccine policy.” The ACIP has been instrumental in providing transparent, peer-reviewed recommendations that have guided life-saving immunization strategies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disbanding its current membership could stall vaccination programs, exacerbate existing health disparities, and lead to increased preventable disease among vulnerable populations. AANHPI communities already face significant barriers to health care access and suffer disproportionate impacts from infectious disease outbreaks. Decisions that dismiss scientific expertise and public health safeguards only further marginalize these groups. APIAHF calls on all leaders to commit to preserving independent, evidence-based public health institutions. We urge policymakers and the public to remain vigilant in defending the integrity of bodies like ACIP and to prioritize the health and well-being of all communities. # # # The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

As a health justice non-profit organization, APIAHF is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of more than 20 million AAs and NHPIs living in the United States and its jurisdictions. We believe that all persons have the right to be healthy, the right to live in a thriving community, and the right to quality, affordable, and accessible health care. As a health justice non-profit organization, APIAHF is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of more than 25 million AAs and NHPIs living in the United States and its jurisdictions. We believe that all persons have the right to be healthy, the right to live in a thriving community, and the right to quality, affordable, and accessible health care. Learn more about OUR POLICY WORK PUBLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Influencing and Shaping Policies that Impact AA and NHPI Communities APIAHF works with partners from local communities to influence local, state and federal-level public policy. Our presence and partnerships in Washington, DC allow us to shape federal policies that impact AA and NHPI communities across the nation by expanding access, improving quality and advancing health equity. Mobilizing Communities Across the Nation for Change APIAHF engages community leaders across the country, including community public health organizations and social justice advocates, on national and state issues to address health challenges in their backyard, rally against harmful policies, organize around healthy practices, and call on policymakers to improve the health of our communities. Strengthening Programs and Organizations APIAHF strengthens local and regional community organizations by providing them with the tools, skills, training, technical assistance, and organizational capacity building needed to empower them to be stronger advocates in their communities.

WHAT WE DO APIAHF works to ensure that all Americans have access to health coverage and quality care that they can afford and rely on, no matter where they come from or what language they speak. POLICY — HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT POLICY — EXPANDING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE DATA DISAGGREGATION MEDICARE & MEDICAID HUMAN EQUITY & HUMAN RIGHTS HEAA HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCOUNTABLILITY ACT (HEAA) ABOUT HEAA IN THE NEWS CONGRESSIONAL PRESS RELEASE APIAHF PRESS RELEASE PRESS EVENT FOR INTRODUCTION TO HEAA The Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) is a comprehensive and strategic legislative blueprint that aims to eliminate racial and ethnic health inequities. HEAA is the only legislation that directly addresses the intersection of health inequities with race and ethnicity, as well as immigration status, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, language, and socio-economic status. Since 2003, HEAA has been introduced by the Congressional Tri-Caucus, comprised of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC). CAPAC is leading the introduction of HEAA for the 118th Congress, and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CAPAC Health Task Force Co-Chair) and Senator Mazie K. Hirono are the lead sponsors. This Congress will be the first time HEAA will have a bicameral introduction. Over 300 racial and health equity organizations, researchers, provider groups, and community-based organizations have contributed to the development of HEAA since its inception. Additionally, over 150 Members of Congress have co-sponsored HEAA over the past decade. HEAA builds on the gains made under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and lays out a vision of additional investments and policy reforms Congress should make to enhance the health and well-being of communities that are underserved and marginalized, address systemic health inequities, and ensure access to high quality and affordable health care for all. POLICY HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HEAA) — LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 118TH CONGRESS INTRODUCTION OF HEAA FULL BILL TEXT ONE-PAGER ENDORSING ORGANIZATIONS MEDIA “Everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable health care, but health disparities prevent many marginalized and underserved communities from accessing these essential resources and services. The Health Equity and Accountability Act will help to dismantle these barriers by implementing comprehensive provisions to address inequities, including strengthening data collection, increasing access to health services and resources, and diversifying the health care workforce. I am proud to lead this effort and will continue working to ensure that communities across Hawaii and throughout the country have access to the affordable and equitable health care they deserve.” OVERVIEW OF HEAA'S TITLES Senator Mazie K. Hirono Title III recognizes the need to improve the diversity and quality of the nation’s whole health care workforce. It provides grant and loan repayment programs to promote inclusion in a number of different health professions. It focuses on directing funding to underrepresented students who may not otherwise be able to achieve the education needed to participate in the workforce. Title III also provides resources to medical institutions to allow them to better provide growth opportunities for their staff. Title I focuses on the collection and reporting of data related to disparities associated with the demographic factors of race, ethnicity, sex, primary written and spoken language, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age and socioeconomic status. It creates a commission and a task force to explore data collection practices to achieve health equity and best practices to integrate artificial intelligence and algorithmic bias, respectively. It also expands the scope of impact for programs that understand and address minority health concerns and health disparities. Title IV addresses systemic barriers to quality care for disparities-impacted populations through expanding coverage, improving access, innovating in delivery, and creating health empowerment zones. It brings down barriers to coverage for immigrants, people living in U.S. territories, Native Americans, Medicare beneficiaries, and at-risk youth. It improves community health, funding for providers of care, addresses rural health needs, and ensures those enrolled in health insurance can access the providers and benefits they need. It recognizes the ongoing efforts in delivery and payment system reforms and the need to include the impact on health disparities in those efforts. “Higher uninsured rates, language and cultural barriers to care, social determinants, and greater exposure to pollution are just a few of the factors that threaten and hurt the health of Americans of color. The Health Equity and Accountability Act would create a healthcare system that works for all Americans – no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, or language ability – by advancing culturally and linguistically appropriate health care, improving data reporting, addressing diseases that disproportionately harm certain communities, and so much more. This legislation is a necessary step to take for health equity to be a reality for all, and I am honored to once again join Congressmember Lee and Senator Hirono to lead the introduction of this bold, legislative vision on behalf of the Tri-Caucus this Congress.” CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu Title V addresses a range of sexual and reproductive health needs, including pregnancy-related care, as well as infant and child health needs for historically and currently excluded and underserved individuals and communities. It seeks to dismantle barriers to and inequities in access to health and health-related services and coverage, information and education, and other vital resources. It also focuses on the research, tools, data-based models, workforce capacity-building, programs, and other resources necessary to promote the health and wellbeing of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and other people of color; women; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, gender non conforming, and nonbinary (LGBTQ+) people; immigrants; infants; children; and families. Title II focuses on improving access to and the quality of care that is culturally and linguistically appropriate through pilot programs that test interpreting services, federal reimbursement of language access services in Medicaid, CHIP and Medicare, and accountability of federal programs providing Federal financial assistance. “As Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I’m proud to join the Tri-Caucus Chairs and leading Congressional Members in introducing the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) of 2024. HEAA is a bold, comprehensive vision to address persistent ethnic and racial health disparities to improve health outcomes for people of color, including millions of Latino families. Data shows Latinos, like many minority populations and underserved communities, face uphill challenges in accessing affordable and high-quality healthcare. This legislation is a critical step toward a fairer healthcare system that prioritizes health equity for all.” CHC Chair Rep. Nanette Barragán Title VI focuses on strengthening protective factors and resources that bolster mental health, and on eliminating structural barriers that contribute to mental health and substance use disorder inequities. The title addresses the interplay between structural factors and traumas including systemic racism and discrimination, violence, adverse weather events, and COVID-19 and the resulting mental health impacts for the communities of focus under this act. Provisions provide for expanding coverage and access to necessary supports and services across community settings; promising interventions through demonstration projects; research to enhance knowledge and understanding of mental health and substance use inequities; strengthening the mental health workforce; and strategies to address unmet needs in underserved populations Title VII addresses high-impact minority diseases through expansion of research, funding, screenings, testing, access, and treatment and prevention including: cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular diseases, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity, and other chronic diseases. The title specifically focuses on diversity in clinical trials, Medicare coverage gaps, improvements and outreach in Alzheimer’s disease research, and patient-centered approaches. Title VIII updates the definition of certified electronic health information technology, requires assessments of and provides funding opportunities for adoption of health information technology in racial and ethnic minority communities, and extends Medicaid electronic health record incentive payments to community health centers, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care, home health agencies, and physician assistants. Title IX ensures the federal government is responsive to, and responsible and held accountable for, efforts to reduce health inequities and disparities. It expands civil rights protections for anyone operating with Federal financial assistance, ensures populations in correctional facilities receive care, and ensures that there is transparency in how protections are enforced. Requires a number of reports on how the government is addressing health inequities and disparities. Title X defines social determinants of health, and the role they play in creating health inequities. The title also describes the relationship between built environments and health, and how health income assessments and the implementation of evidence-based programs can remediate environmental hazards in communities. Sec. 1005 specifically calls for the creation of a CDC grant program to address these root causes. Title X also includes language on environmental justice, specifically in regard to clean air rules, lead and radon exposure, gun violence research and the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in the Gulf Coast. PAST ITERATIONS OF HEAA — 117th Congress: HR 7585 , S 4486 116th Congress: HR 6637 , S 4819 115th Congress: HR 5942 , S 3660 114th Congress: HR 5475 113th Congress: HR 5294 112th Congress: HR 3954 111th Congress: HR 3090 110th Congress: HR 3014 109th Congress: HR 3561 108th Congress: HR 3459 APIAHF'S HISTORY WITH HEAA APIAHF has been a community working group lead of HEAA in 2005, 2011, and 2018, and a co-lead with AAPCHO in 2024. As a community working group lead, APIAHF works with the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) on bill revisions and introduction; and organizes and directs the working group to provide feedback on the current iteration of HEAA. “As a Co-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Healthcare Taskforce, and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I am proud to lead the re-introduction of the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA). HEAA is a bold, comprehensive vision for addressing racial health disparities and improving health outcomes in communities of color and the underserved. It’s the only legislation that directly addresses the intersections of health inequities and race and ethnicity. We need to pass HEAA to address the underlying challenges that prevent communities of color and underserved communities from gaining coverage and accessing high-quality, affordable health care. With the help of our advocates and partners, I know Congress can act to create a truly just health care system for all.” Congresswoman Barbara Lee “For generations, Black Americans have faced persistent disparities in health outcomes and access to quality, affordable health care in our nation. The Tri-Caucus is committed to removing barriers and expanding access to healthcare in our communities. The CBC is proud to join our Tri-Caucus partners in cosponsoring the Health Equity and Accountability Act which will take significant steps towards removing systemic barriers, improving outcomes, and making our communities healthier.” CBC Chairman Rep. Steven Horsford “Every person should have high quality and affordable health care regardless of where they live, language they speak, or ability to pay. HEAA is visionary legislation to address the vast inequities facing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and all communities who are underserved in every sector of our health care system, including vulnerable populations getting care at community health centers. AAPCHO is proud to join Senator Hirono, Congresswoman Lee, Congresswoman Chu, and the Congressional Tri Caucus in introducing HEAA in the 118th Congress. We appreciate our partnership with APIAHF and the broad coalition of patient, provider, disease, and civil rights groups who contributed to this bill. We look forward to Congress advancing HEAA’s vision of a health care system that truly meets the needs of our nation’s diverse communities.” Jeffrey B. Caballero, MPH, executive director of the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations “As our nation's demographics change, so do our health needs. Underserved and underrepresented communities face substantial barriers to obtaining quality health care and equitable health outcomes. APIAHF is proud to lead the 118th Congress's reintroduction of HEAA, with AAPCHO, to tackle these health disparities head on. HEAA invests in culturally and linguistically appropriate health care and health services, creates a pipeline for an inclusive workforce, and deploys innovative strategies to reach communities regardless of region, immigration status, gender, ethnicity, age, or disability. Achieving health equity requires a multi-faceted approach, and HEAA provides a blueprint to do exactly that.” Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR POLICY WORK Expanding Access To Healthcare Data Disaggregation Medicare and Medicaid Human Equity and Human Rights LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR POLICY WORK Expanding Access to Healthcare Data Disaggregation Medicare and Medicaid Human Equity and Human Rights Expanding Access To Healthcare

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), finalized a Rule under the Administrative Procedure Act that will expand health coverage for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients by opening up Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace plans. This Rule will benefit an estimated 100,000 Dreamers. Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) and former Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, gave the following statement: “After a historic Marketplace enrollment period, with over 21 million individuals selecting Affordable Care Act health insurance, we are thrilled by HHS’s bold action to expand access to the Marketplace to more Americans. In addition to access to affordable health coverage, Dreamers will also be able to utilize federal subsidies for these plans. “For far too long, DACA recipients, approximately 10 percent of whom are Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders, have been denied access to many health care options provided by the Affordable Care Act despite living and residing in the United States. Today’s announcement continues the Biden Administration’s commitment that health care is a right, not a privilege.” ### 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. APIAHF APPLAUDS HHS ACTIONS TO EXPAND HEALTH CARE FOR DACA RECIPIENTS MAY 3, 2024 WASHINGTON – Today, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released revisions to Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity. The revised standards modernize the collection of race and ethnicity data and improve how federal agencies analyze and publish that data. Directive 15 was last updated in 1997 to create separate “Asian” and “Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander and expand “Hispanic” to include “Hispanic or Latino.” APIAHF President & CEO Juliet K. Choi released the following statement: “APIAHF is proud to have advocated for revised standards, including submitting comments with over 40 national, state, and local partners through the regulatory process, that would reflect the communities that span our great nation. The updated Directive 15 is the culmination of work across all communities and between federal agencies toward data equity in the U.S. “In particular, we applaud including the new Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) category. We know first-hand the importance of communities being seen and represented, and this new designation will mean critical resources, including in-language, can be delivered to MENA communities. We also applaud OMB's commitment to revising these standards and establishing a regular review ahead of each decennial census. “We look to OMB’s continued commitment to build upon this great work by requiring all federal departments and agencies to collect, analyze, use, report, and disseminate disaggregated data on communities as the minimum standards. Accurate, inclusive data is core to the work that we can achieve and has a meaningful impact on how resources are allocated. We look forward to continuing collaboration with OMB as they work to implement these new revisions.” # # # APIAHF APPLAUDS OMB REVISIONS TO DIRECTIVE 15 FOR ACCURATE, INCLUSIVE FEDERAL DATA STANDARDS MARCH 28, 2024 WASHINGTON – Tonight, in his State of the Union address, President Joe Biden outlined the Administration’s progress over the past year, and his vision for the remainder of his term. Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), released the following statement: “We applaud President Biden's and Congress' continued efforts to reduce health care costs and broaden quality health coverage for American families, including wins from the Inflation Reduction Act. “This month, we commemorate four years since the start of the deadly, global COVID-19 virus that caused devastating impacts across our country. Today, our country is back, stronger than ever, with American families seeing dividends from policies that have reduced the coverage gap, lowered prescription drug costs, and capped drug costs for seniors. In fact, in the 2023-24 ACA Open Enrollment period, a record-breaking 21.3 million Americans enrolled in marketplace health plans. “As we celebrate the wins, we also look forward to the opportunities to promote health equity in care and research mentioned tonight, including innovation for rare diseases and cancer through ARPA-H and new initiatives on women’s health research. “APIAHF is proud of the progress our country has made to strengthen and expand health care and health equity, and reiterate the President’s statements to preserve that right for all people, including protections for reproductive freedoms and privacy. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with both the Administration and Congress to improve the health of our nation.” # # # 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. APIAHF RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS MARCH 7, 2024 WASHINGTON— Today, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services released an instructional bulletin to all states and U.S. territories requiring them to ensure Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligible individuals retain their coverage during the state’s Medicaid Unwinding period. CMS released additional data that nine states, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Arkansas, South Dakota, Idaho, New Hampshire, and Montana, account for 60 percent of the decline in children’s Medicaid and CHIP enrollment from March through September 2023. In September, CMS required all states to pause disenrollment and reinstate coverage for certain disenrolled individuals under Medicaid Unwinding. The action resulted in a half-million children and their families regaining Medicaid and CHIP Coverage. Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), released the following statement: “Medicaid and CHIP cover more than half of all children in the United States. We applaud CMS for ensuring children have reliable access to necessary health care as we head into winter when influenza and other illnesses need medical attention. “However, thousands of families and their children continue to face disenrollment, and it is unconscionable that this occurs due to a state’s systems and operational issues. These states must take immediate action to ensure children are protected. Today’s action by CMS reinforces the Biden administration’s policy of ensuring quality care for all families, and states must take action to ensure the well-being of our nation’s children.” # # # 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. STATES MUST TAKE ACTION TO ENSURE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES HAVE MEDICAID COVERAGE DECEMBER 18, 2023 WASHINGTON—Today, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services announced that half a million children and other individuals regained coverage to CHIP and Medicaid as a result of its August call to action letter sent to all states and U.S. territories. The letter required immediate action from state Medicaid directors to address the affected families and safeguard them from improper disenrollments. Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) released the following statement: “The immediate action by CMS has resulted in necessary and life-saving health coverage reinstated for some of our nation’s most vulnerable populations. “Today shows that CMS must continue to take bold, decisive steps to mitigate the devastating impacts of Medicaid Unwinding, especially as millions of additional families face the disenrollment cliff. We urge the Biden administration to protect access to affordable health care for all families, including additional accessible resources and outreach to vulnerable 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. CMS CALL TO ACTION RESULTS IN HALF A MILLION CHILDREN AND FAMILY MEMBERS REENROLLED IN HEALTH CARE COVERAGE SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 WASHINGTON—Today, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services sent a letter to all states and U.S. territories requiring them to determine if they have an eligibility systems issue that could cause entire households to be disenrolled from Medicaid or CHIP even if they are eligible for coverage. If a state has an eligibility systems issue, they must do the following, to avoid CMS enforcement to bring states into compliance: 1) Pause procedural disenrollments for those individuals impacted, 2) Reinstate coverage for all affected individuals and provide retroactive eligibility back to the date of termination, 3) Implement one or more CMS-approved mitigation strategies until such time that the state has fixed all systems and processes to prevent continued inappropriate disenrollments, and 4)Fix state systems and processes to ensure renewals are conducted appropriately and in accordance with federal Medicaid requirements. Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) released the following statement: “We applaud CMS for taking bold action to safeguard health care coverage for millions of families across our nation as we continue to face the devastating impacts of disenrollment from Medicaid Unwinding, which disproportionately affects communities of color, immigrants and individuals with limited English proficiency. “Health care is a fundamental right, and ensuring that children and families have reliable access to necessary services is paramount. It is unconscionable for states to disenroll thousands of families, including children, due to a state’s systems and operational issues. This action today by CMS is a positive and necessary step toward protecting coverage for low-income families, and we are optimistic that the Biden administration will continue to forge forth towards affordable, quality care for all families.” # # # 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. APIAHF APPLAUDS CMS’ BOLD ACTION TO SAFEGUARD HEALTH CARE COVERAGE AUGUST 30, 2023 WASHINGTON—Today, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services sent a letter to all states and U.S. territories requiring them to determine if they have an eligibility systems issue that could cause entire households to be disenrolled from Medicaid or CHIP even if they are eligible for coverage. If a state has an eligibility systems issue, they must do the following, to avoid CMS enforcement to bring states into compliance: 1) Pause procedural disenrollments for those individuals impacted, 2) Reinstate coverage for all affected individuals and provide retroactive eligibility back to the date of termination, 3) Implement one or more CMS-approved mitigation strategies until such time that the state has fixed all systems and processes to prevent continued inappropriate disenrollments, and 4)Fix state systems and processes to ensure renewals are conducted appropriately and in accordance with federal Medicaid requirements. Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) released the following statement: “We applaud CMS for taking bold action to safeguard health care coverage for millions of families across our nation as we continue to face the devastating impacts of disenrollment from Medicaid Unwinding, which disproportionately affects communities of color, immigrants and individuals with limited English proficiency. “Health care is a fundamental right, and ensuring that children and families have reliable access to necessary services is paramount. It is unconscionable for states to disenroll thousands of families, including children, due to a state’s systems and operational issues. This action today by CMS is a positive and necessary step toward protecting coverage for low-income families, and we are optimistic that the Biden administration will continue to forge forth towards affordable, quality care for all families.” # # # 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. APIAHF APPLAUDS CMS’ BOLD ACTION TO SAFEGUARD HEALTH CARE COVERAGE AUGUST 30, 2023 WASHINGTON—Today, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services sent a letter to all states and U.S. territories requiring them to determine if they have an eligibility systems issue that could cause entire households to be disenrolled from Medicaid or CHIP even if they are eligible for coverage. If a state has an eligibility systems issue, they must do the following, to avoid CMS enforcement to bring states into compliance: 1) Pause procedural disenrollments for those individuals impacted, 2) Reinstate coverage for all affected individuals and provide retroactive eligibility back to the date of termination, 3) Implement one or more CMS-approved mitigation strategies until such time that the state has fixed all systems and processes to prevent continued inappropriate disenrollments, and 4)Fix state systems and processes to ensure renewals are conducted appropriately and in accordance with federal Medicaid requirements. Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) released the following statement: “We applaud CMS for taking bold action to safeguard health care coverage for millions of families across our nation as we continue to face the devastating impacts of disenrollment from Medicaid Unwinding, which disproportionately affects communities of color, immigrants and individuals with limited English proficiency. “Health care is a fundamental right, and ensuring that children and families have reliable access to necessary services is paramount. It is unconscionable for states to disenroll thousands of families, including children, due to a state’s systems and operational issues. This action today by CMS is a positive and necessary step toward protecting coverage for low-income families, and we are optimistic that the Biden administration will continue to forge forth towards affordable, quality care for all families.” # # # 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. APIAHF APPLAUDS CMS’ BOLD ACTION TO SAFEGUARD HEALTH CARE COVERAGE AUGUST 30, 2023 PRESS RELEASES — UPDATES PRESS RELEASES —

APIAHF - Job Opportunities Our open job positions are listed below, but please check back for more job opportunities in the future. OPPORTUNITIES — Please check back for opportunities. READ MORE GET INVOLVED JOB OPPORTUNITIES —

Health equity means that every individual has the opportunity to attain optimal health and well-being. To achieve health equity, our country must work to address pervasive disparities in both access and outcomes. Our experience has shown us that achieving health equity requires in-depth research to identify problems and solutions, responsive policies to population needs and smart investments in communities.   HUMAN EQUITY & HUMAN RIGHTS Health equity means that every individual has the opportunity to attain optimal health and well-being. To achieve health equity, our country must work to address pervasive disparities in both access and outcomes. Our experience has shown us that achieving health equity requires in-depth research to identify problems and solutions, responsive policies to population needs and smart investments in communities. In doing so, we must address both the underlying socio-economic factors and existing policies that drive health care disparities. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR POLICY WORK Expanding Access to Healthcare Data Disaggregation Medicare and Medicaid HEAA RESPONSIVE RESEARCH Data and research are the underpinning of any effort to achieve health equity. We cannot address disparities without first understanding what they are and who they impact, followed by understanding what interventions and changes are needed to adequately and effectively uplift affected populations. Since, and before, the groundbreaking 1985 Heckler Report, which failed to accurately reflect the realities of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, advocates and academics have worked for better reporting. We work to advocate for research, both by government and private actors, that accounts for disaggregated data, includes the voices of relevant communities and furthers our understanding of how health equity can be achieved. ADDRESSING POLICY SHORTCOMINGS Public policy can both exacerbate and minimize health disparities. We believe that policymakers at all levels of government must act to address previous injustices and prevent future disparities. Policy interventions to achieve health equity range from ensuring communities of color have access to safe, livable communities to closing nationwide gaps in cancer outcomes, maternal mortality and diabetes prevention. SMART COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS We believe empowered communities are best positioned to determined what is needed for achieving their own health equity. Decision-making and research must include input and leadership from affected communities. Funding local efforts of community based organizations, who know best the needs of their neighborhoods, are often the most effective ways to address disparities. And while national problems often require national solutions, we must account for the ways those solutions will impact diverse communities. POLICY HUMAN EQUITY & HUMAN RIGHTS — LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR POLICY WORK Expanding Access to Healthcare Expanding Access to Healthcare Data Disaggregation Medicare & Medicaid HEAA POLICY — EXPANDING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE DATA DISAGGREGATION MEDICARE & MEDICAID HUMAN EQUITY & HUMAN RIGHTS HEAA

JULY 18, 2025 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF ALARMED BY DOJ GUIDANCE UNDERMINING LEP PROTECTIONS FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER 14224 JULY 18, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) expresses deep concern over the U.S. Department of Justice’s new guidance to federal agencies implementing Executive Order 14224, which revokes Executive Order 13166, a longstanding mandate requiring federal agencies and recipients of federal funding to ensure meaningful access to services for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). For nearly 25 years, Executive Order 13166 has been a foundational safeguard for civil rights and language access in federal programs. Its revocation represents a major step backward for the more than 25 million individuals in the U.S. with limited English proficiency, disproportionately harming Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Latino, and immigrant communities who rely on equitable access to essential services. "The Department of Justice’s new guidance undermines decades of progress in making our government more accessible and accountable to all people, regardless of the language they speak," said Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of APIAHF. "Language access is not a luxury—it is a civil right." Executive Order 13166, issued in 2000, built on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of national origin. Courts and federal agencies have long recognized that failing to provide language assistance can constitute such discrimination. The DOJ’s new interpretation weakens this legal framework by reframing language access as discretionary rather than a core requirement for compliance. The new DOJ guidance will create confusion and uneven standards across agencies, leading to reduced access to health care, public safety, housing, and other essential services. "This is not a matter of bureaucracy—it’s about ensuring that a mother can understand how to access care for her child, that an elder can understand warnings during a natural disaster, that a worker can report abuse or fraud without facing a language barrier. The consequences of this rollback are real and dangerous," said Choi. APIAHF calls on Congress and federal agencies to restore and reaffirm strong, consistent protections for LEP individuals. The organization also urges local and state governments, as well as nonprofit service providers, to continue upholding robust language access standards in their programs and policies. # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES