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- BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES FIRST 10 DRUGS FOR MEDICARE NEGOTIATION
AUGUST 29, 2023 PRESS RELEASE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES FIRST 10 DRUGS FOR MEDICARE NEGOTIATION AUGUST 29, 2023 WASHINGTON —Today, the Biden administration announced the first round of high-cost prescription drugs for which Medicare will negotiate lower prices as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. “We applaud the Biden administration for taking decisive action to expand benefits and lower drug costs for all Americans,” said Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF). “We encourage drug manufacturers to work with the Biden administration to make these lifesaving and life-changing products available to recipients of Medicare at a reduced cost. For example, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk for diabetes, and our communities have already seen the positive impact of insulin costs capped at $35 monthly under the Inflation Reduction Act. The first ten drugs will provide immediate financial relief to millions of hard-working families.” The first 10 drugs are: Eliquis: For prevention and treatment of blood clots Enbrel: For treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis Entresto: For treatment heart failure Farxiga: For treatment of treat diabetes, heart failure and chronic kidney disease Imbruvica: For treatment of blood cancers Fiasp/Novolog: For treatment of diabetes Januvia: For treatment of diabetes Jardiance: For treatment of diabetes and heart failure Stelara: For treatment of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis Xarelto: For prevention and treatment of blood clots and reduction of risk for patients with coronary or peripheral artery disease To learn more about the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, view the ASPE factsheet and CMS factsheet. # # # 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. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES
- JAMILA SHIPP
C4H MANAGING DIRECTOR JAMILA SHIPP C4H MANAGING DIRECTOR OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Jamila Shipp is the managing director for Capacity for Health, a program of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. An Oakland native and nationally respected leader in public health, community advocacy and capacity-building, Shipp brings a heart for social justice, nearly two decades of experience, and a track-record of innovation in an always changing HIV sector. Jamila has extensive experience in program development, implementation, research, and evaluation of HIV/AIDS prevention programs. She specializes in underserved populations, particularly sex workers, homeless, and substance users. She has served as the chair of the California HIV planning group. Jamila holds a Masters of Public Health from San Francisco State University, and a B.S. in Health Care Management from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF
- APIAHF CONDEMNS TRUMP-ERA DISCLOSURE OF MEDICAID DATA TO IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT
JUNE 13, 2025 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF CONDEMNS TRUMP-ERA DISCLOSURE OF MEDICAID DATA TO IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT JUNE 13, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) urges immediate action to reverse the Trump administration’s recent disclosure of sensitive Medicaid data—including immigration status—to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials, confirming internal emails and memos obtained by the Associated Press . According to these documents, two senior advisers to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. directed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to hand over names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical claims for Medicaid enrollees in California, Illinois, Washington state, and Washington, DC—despite CMS officials warning this move may violate the Social Security Act, the Privacy Act of 1974, and longstanding policy. “Health care access is a fundamental human right,” said Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of APIAHF. “Disclosing Medicaid data to immigration authorities breaches that right, instills fear, and threatens public health. No one should be forced to choose between medical care and safety.” APIAHF stands firmly against this chilling violation of patient confidentiality and public trust. By weaponizing health‑care data for immigration enforcement, these actions risk deterring immigrant families, including many in our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, from seeking essential care. As the nation’s leading health equity advocate for AA & NHPI communities, APIAHF will continue to champion policies that ensure health care is safe, accessible, and free from surveillance. # # # 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. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES
- APIAHF DEEPLY CONCERNED BY HHS SECRETARY’S DECISION TO REMOVE ALL ACIP MEMBERS
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
- EPHRAIM COLBERT
DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION MANAGER EPHRAIM COLBERT DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION MANAGER OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Ephraim is the digital media production manager for APIAHF’s Capacity for Health project. In his role, he leads the development for Ending of the HIV Epidemic video, podcast, and social media series. Ephraim uses communications and productions skills to share and amplify the voices of the voiceless. Before APIAHF Ephraim was a freelance producer working in video, radio, and podcast in the Bay Area. Ephraim has been Technical Director of live event for KPFA Radio 94.1fm and produced YouTube shows. “My community has rightfully had a history of mistrust of the healthcare system. I’d like to contribute to the rebuilding of that trust and improve the health concerns facing the African American community.” -Ephraim Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF
- CMS CALL TO ACTION RESULTS IN HALF A MILLION CHILDREN AND FAMILY MEMBERS REENROLLED IN HEALTH CARE COVERAGE
SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 PRESS RELEASE 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 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 BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES
- APIAHF APPLAUDS BICAMERAL CONGRESSIONAL INTRODUCTION OF THE HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2024
JULY 25, 2024 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF APPLAUDS BICAMERAL CONGRESSIONAL INTRODUCTION OF THE HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2024 JULY 25, 2024 WASHINGTON —Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12), and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2024 (HEAA). The bill focuses on eliminating racial and ethnic disparities and has been introduced by the Congressional Tri-Caucus, composed of CAPAC, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. This is the first time HEAA has had a bicameral introduction, and over 150 members of Congress have co-sponsored the bill over the past two decades. HEAA is a comprehensive and strategic legislative blueprint and one of the few bills that contains community input from over 300 organizations, including national health justice and civil rights organizations. APIAHF president & CEO, Juliet K. Choi issued the following statement: “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.” The full text of the bill is available here . A one-pager is available here . Learn more about HEAA here . ### 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. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES
- PHOEBE SAWYER
PROJECT ASSOCIATE PHOEBE SAWYER PROJECT ASSOCIATE OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Phoebe Sawyer is a Project Associate for the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. She recently graduated from San Francisco State University and served on the board of the Marketing Association while maintaining a Dean’s List placement. Sawyer is a Bay Area native with a drive and passion to achieve health equity in her community. Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF
- APIAHF CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT'S TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT
MARCH 23, 2025 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT'S TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT MARCH 23, 2025 WASHINGTON —Today, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum proudly celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This game-changing law revolutionized healthcare access, affordability, and equity for millions. Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, released the following statement: “Fifteen years ago, the Affordable Care Act reshaped our health care system— expanding coverage, breaking down barriers, and bringing us closer to health equity. Thanks to the ACA, millions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander families now have access to the care they deserve at rates higher than any racial or ethnic group in the country. As we celebrate this milestone, we call on leaders to build on the ACA’s success and ensure that every American, regardless of background, can live a healthier future.” ACA by the Numbers: Transforming Lives Fifty million Americans gained health coverage —including 4.5 million AANHPIs . 1.5 million AANHPIs enrolled in affordable plans through the ACA Marketplace. Pre-existing conditions? No problem! The ACA barred insurers from denying coverage. Young adults win —staying on their parent’s plans until age 26, regardless of marital status, employment, or living condition. Medicaid expansion in 41 states —covering 1.6 million AANHPIs . Stronger and expanded protections against discrimination in healthcare. Preventive care for all —from cancer screenings to vaccinations, at no extra cost. ### 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. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES
- UPDATES: EDUCATIONAL DIGITAL INITIATIVES | APIAHF
DIGITAL STORIES — THE HOT POT The Hot Pot is a video podcast series hosted by the APIAHF Community Engagement team to provide a space in sharing knowledge, experiences, and insights on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) health while honoring the unique identities that make up our communities. WATCH NOW VIDEO PODCAST UPDATES EDUCATIONAL DIGITAL INITIATIVES — OUR DIASPORA Our Diaspora is a 4-part docuseries hosted by APIAHF Community Engagement Manager Nhien Le that highlights our diverse AANHPI communities and spotlights the work that local community-based organization partners are doing all across the country. WATCH NOW DOCUSERIES VIDEO SERIES EVAC PARTNER SPOTLIGHTS APIAHF is proud to have partnered with 24 community-based organizations across the nation for its Engaging AA and NH/PI Communities in Adult Vaccination (EVAC) program. The goal of EVAC was to increase acceptance of COVID-19 and flu vaccines and increase access to immunization services among AANHPI adults in partnership with CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). This video publication spotlighting our EVAC partners was made possible by cooperative agreement CDC-RFA-IP21-2106 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC/HHS. WATCH NOW Additional Partner Features
- HOME | APIAHF - 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/Pacific Islanders. LEARN MORE TEST OUR FOCUS — 2024 START OF YEAR GIVING Donate Now! COVID-19 RESOURCES Culturally and linguistically accessible COVID-19 resources for AA and NH/PI communities TAKE ACTION Help us protect families in the fight for health equity! OUR IMPACT — 35 Serving over 35 years of leadership, advocacy, and movement building 25m APIAHF is a leading voice for over 25 million AAs and NHPIs in the U.S. Working with over 250 community organizations in all states and US territories 250+ Helped enroll nearly 1,000,000 AAs and NHPIs in the ACA 1m LEARN MORE PRESS RELEASE House Failure to Extend ACA Tax Credits Will Drive Up Health Care Costs DECEMBER 19, 2025 GO NOW PRESS RELEASE APIAHF & NCAPIP Statement on Vote to End Universal Hepatitis B Shots for Newborns DECEMBER 5, 2025 GO NOW REPORT 2025 Pulse Survey: Supplement to the National Survey of Community-Based Organizations AUGUST 22, 2025 GO NOW 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 GO NOW PRESS RELEASE APIAHF Alarmed by DOJ Guidance Undermining LEP Protections Following Executive Order 14224 JULY 18, 2025 GO NOW LATEST NEWS — FIRST NAME LAST NAME EMAIL* SIGN UP SUBSCRIBE TO THE APIAHF NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBE TO THE APIAHF NEWSLETTER
- HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE SAVE ACT: A DIRECT THREAT TO AANHPI VOTER ACCESS
April 10, 2025 PRESS RELEASE HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE SAVE ACT: A DIRECT THREAT TO AANHPI VOTER ACCESS April 10, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) condemns today’s passage of the SAVE Act (H.R. 22) in the U.S. House of Representatives—if enacted into law—it would disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, particularly from Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Further, this will disproportionately harm voters who live in rural areas, especially in the Midwest and South; along with those with accessibility needs including elders. The legislation would require voters to present documentation—such as a birth certificate or passport—to register or update voter registration in person, which may result in people having to drive needless hours to vote. It would also eliminate online registration in 42 states, harm vote-by-mail initiatives, and make commonly accepted forms of ID, like REAL IDs, military IDs, or tribal IDs, insufficient to prove citizenship. Juliet K. Choi, president & CEO of APIAHF, issued the following statement: “The passage of the SAVE Act is a dangerous step backward for our democracy and brings us back to the time of a poll tax. Rather than safeguarding elections, this legislation erects new barriers to the ballot box—disproportionately harming communities like ours that already face systemic obstacles to voting. “AANHPI voters have long been impacted by discriminatory practices like voter purges of eligible voters due to minor discrepancies in name spellings. These bureaucratic errors have silenced thousands of our voices at the polls. This bill would worsen those barriers by undermining state-level solutions that are beginning to fix the problem. “AANHPI communities—especially naturalized citizens and first-generation voters—are also among the highest users of vote-by-mail and online registration systems. In 2020, over 60 percent of Asian American voters cast ballots by mail, and online registration has been a critical entry point for our communities to participate in civic life. “Let’s be clear: this is not about election security. This is about restricting access and silencing voices. We call on the Senate to reject this harmful and unnecessary legislation.” APIAHF remains committed to protecting the rights of all Americans—regardless of race, language, or immigration background—to access free and fair elections. # # # 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. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES





