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

​APIAHF - Our Staff OUR STAFF — MIA AYER POLICY MANAGER CHELSEA CHATTERTON SPECIAL ASSISTANT EPHRAIM COLBERT OPERATIONS MANAGER KAITLYNN HUSOVSKY DIRECTOR, BOARD RELATIONS LENAYA KIMBALL MANAGER, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT NHIEN LE MANAGER, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT JAMILA SHIPP ADVISOR

NOVEMBER 21, 2024 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF COMMITTED TO THE CHALLENGES AHEAD NOVEMBER 21, 2024 The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, the oldest and largest health advocacy organization working with Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities across the nation, is steadfast in its mission to improve the health and well-being of Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. In two months, President-Elect Trump will be inaugurated and take office. Like the start of his first term in 2017, he begins his final term as President with his party controlling the Senate and the House of Representatives. President-Elect Trump has already outlined an agenda that threatens immigrant communities and, through his appointments, has sparked grave concerns about the future health of our communities. While we may not agree with all the policies of the new Administration and the legislative actions of the 119th Congress, APIAHF will remain resolute in supporting our communities, partners, and Senate and House champions. From mobilizing our partners to provide critical resources and information during the COVID-19 pandemic to fighting back against discriminatory administrative and legislative policies targeting our communities, we will ensure our voice remains strong in the face of every challenge. # # # 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

In 2010, we worked to shape and pass the biggest expansion in health care access and civil rights in a generation through the Affordable Care Act. Now we continue to defend the law in the halls of Congress, the Administration and in the courts. POLICY MEDICARE & MEDICAID — WHAT WE DO In 2010, we worked to shape and pass the biggest expansion in health care access and civil rights in a generation through the Affordable Care Act. Now we continue to defend the law in the halls of Congress, the Administration and in the courts. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR POLICY WORK Expanding Access to Healthcare Expanding Access to Healthcare Data Disaggregation Human Equity and Human Rights HEAA POLICY — EXPANDING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE DATA DISAGGREGATION MEDICARE & MEDICAID HUMAN EQUITY & HUMAN RIGHTS HEAA WHAT WE DO In 2010, we worked to shape and pass the biggest expansion in health care access and civil rights in a generation through the Affordable Care Act. Now we continue to defend the law in the halls of Congress, the Administration and in the courts. MEDICARE & MEDICAID WHAT WE DO In 2010, we worked to shape and pass the biggest expansion in health care access and civil rights in a generation through the Affordable Care Act. Now we continue to defend the law in the halls of Congress, the Administration and in the courts. The 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) is one of the most significant expansions in civil rights and health care since the creation of the Medicaid program in 1964. The ACA’s public and private coverage expansions have cut the uninsured rate in half for Asian Americans (from 15.1% to 7.5%) and nearly half for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (14.5% to 7.8%). Despite these historic gains, disparities within Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities remain due to varying degrees of poverty, immigration-based barriers, lack of cultural competency in the health care system, and language access barriers. GETTING PEOPLE COVERED AND HELPING THEM STAY COVERED APIAHF leverages a considerable network of national and community-based partners throughout the country to support continued enrollment efforts through culturally and linguistically appropriate strategies. We work with federal and state policymakers to ensure that policies and programs meet the needs of AA and NHPIs and other immigrant communities. In 2012, APIAHF co-founded Action for Health Justice with the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO), Asian Americans Advancing Justice — Los Angeles, Asian Americans Advancing Justice — AAJC and 72 federally qualified health centers and community based organizations. Across three enrollment periods, Action for Health Justice outreached and educated nearly 1 million AAs and NHPIs in 56 different languages, helping to substantially lessen the coverage gap in these populations. KEEPING MEDICAID’S PROMISE Medicaid is a lifeline for 24 percent of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders and 16 percent of Asian Americans under 65, providing coverage they otherwise would never be able to afford. Whether it is fighting attempts to dismantle the program or addressing threats to reduce coverage for covered individuals in the states, APIAHF ensures the voices and needs of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are heard. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR POLICY WORK Expanding Access to Healthcare Data Disaggregation HEAA Human Equity and Human Rights

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. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR POLICY WORK Expanding Access to Healthcare Data Disaggregation Medicare and Medicaid Human Equity and Human Rights HEAA POLICY EXPANDING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE — 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 — EXPANDING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE DATA DISAGGREGATION MEDICARE & MEDICAID HUMAN EQUITY & HUMAN RIGHTS HEAA EXPANDING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE 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. Health coverage is a strong predictor of access to health care in the U.S. Health coverage rates vary widely among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. As a group, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are more likely to be uninsured than non-Hispanic whites. Specific ethnic groups face extremely high rates of uninsurance: In 2016, 14% of Nepalese Americans, 12% of Micronesians and 9% of Laotians were uninsured. REMAINING UNINSURED Despite improvements through the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid and CHIP, disparities within AA and NHPI communities remain due to varying degrees of poverty, immigration-based barriers, lack of cultural competency in the health care system, and language access barriers. Immigration status is a major social determinant of health, impacting the type of coverage a person is eligible for and whether that person can access routine and preventive care. As a result, many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are locked out of public programs due to federal and state immigration restrictions. Nationally, 35% of noncitizens are uninsured, compared to 8% of naturalized citizens and 7% of native-born citizens. In addition, many Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders that qualify for public programs remain uninsured because of language and cultural barriers in the enrollment process, misinformation about eligibility, and other family hardships such as food and housing insecurity. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR POLICY WORK HEAA Data Disaggregation Medicare and Medicaid Human Equity and Human Rights 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. EXPANDING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE

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 —

APIAHF works with community advocates, public health leaders and policymakers to generate policy and systems changes that benefit our communities at the national, state and local levels. POLICY — EXPANDING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE DATA DISAGGREGATION MEDICARE & MEDICAID HUMAN EQUITY & HUMAN RIGHTS HEAA LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR POLICY WORK Expanding Access To Healthcare Data Disaggregation Medicare and Medicaid Human Equity and Human Rights HEAA LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR POLICY WORK Expanding Access to Healthcare Data Disaggregation Medicare and Medicaid Human Equity and Human Rights Expanding Access To Healthcare HEAA POLICY — APIAHF works with community advocates, public health leaders and policymakers to generate policy and systems changes that benefit our communities at the national, state and local levels. As part of an ambitious framework for change in policies, in systems, and in the fundamental ways that we address health for our communities, APIAHF policy work focuses on: 1 Expanding access to healthcare 2 Improving the quality of health care through cultural competency, language access and diverse workforce 3 Increasing research and improving data collection about health issues faced by our communities

BIO EPHRAIM COLBERT DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION MANAGER BIO LENAYA KIMBALL PROGRAM COORDINATOR BIO NHIEN LE MANAGER, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BIO PHOEBE SAWYER PROJECT ASSOCIATE BIO JAMILA SHIPP C4H MANAGING DIRECTOR BIO CALI TRAN COVID-19 RESPONSE FELLOW OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF —

Medicare open enrollment refers to the enrollment window that takes place each fall, during which Medicare plan enrollees can reevaluate their existing Medicare coverage — whether it’s Original Medicare with supplemental drug coverage, or Medicare Advantage — and make changes if they want to do so. Plans change every year making “window shopping” important for seniors to evaluate which plan best suits their existing needs! MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT HAS STARTED WHAT IS MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT? Medicare open enrollment refers to the enrollment window that takes place each fall, during which Medicare plan enrollees can reevaluate their existing Medicare coverage — whether it’s Original Medicare with supplemental drug coverage, or Medicare Advantage — and make changes if they want to do so. Plans change every year making “window shopping” important for seniors to evaluate which plan best suits their existing needs! KEY DATES NOVEMBER 15, 2024 — Open Enrollment starts for 2025 plans. DECEMBER 7, 2024 — Enroll by this date for coverage that starts January 1, 2025. You can change your mind and pick a different plan up till the December 7th deadline. There is no limit on the number of plan changes you can make during the open enrollment period. JANUARY 1, 2024 — Medicare plans take effect. Extended enrollment opportunities are available to some people in areas where FEMA declares an emergency or major disaster that hampers their ability to complete their signup during the normal window. For people in Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton disaster areas who are unable to complete their plan selection for 2025 by December 7, 2024, additional time will be allowed, continuing for two months after the end date that FEMA sets for the disaster incident. PLAN CHANGES YOU CAN MAKE DURING THE MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD During the Medicare open enrollment period – if you’re already enrolled in Medicare– you can: Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (as long as you’re enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B, and you live in the Medicare Advantage plan’s service area). Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare (plus a Medicare Part D plan (PDP), and possibly a Medigap plan, although medical underwriting might be required for Medigap, depending on the state and the person’s circumstances). Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. Switch from one Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) to another. Enroll in a Medicare Part D plan if you didn’t enroll when you were first eligible for Medicare. If you haven’t maintained other creditable coverage, a late-enrollment penalty may apply. If you are not already enrolled in Medicare, but are eligible to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B, you have the opportunity to enroll during the General Enrollment Period which runs from January 1 - March 31, 2025 or during the Initial Enrollment Period (up to 3 months after you become eligible for Medicare). ARE YOU READY TO ENROLL? Visit medicare.gov now for your health plan or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) ; TTY: 1-877-486-2048 Explore your Medicare coverage options HERE . Important updates to consider as you shop for a plan The Inflation Reduction Act provides meaningful financial relief for millions of people with Medicare including expanded benefits, lower drug costs, stable prescription drug premiums, and strengthening Medicare programs. You can read below the changes to Medicare plans: Medicare Part D improvements: Insulin available at $35/month per covered prescription Access to recommended adult vaccines without cost-sharing A yearly $2000 cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs in Medicare Enrollees no longer pay 5% co-insurance when they reach the catastrophic phase of their benefit 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 People with Medicare Part D will have the option to have their drug costs spread out over the full year in equal monthly payments, instead of having to meet their out-of-pocket limit early in the year Medicare drug price negotiation ( the first 10 negotiated drug prices go into effect for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage in 2026) Inflation rebates in Medicare Medicare Part B improvements: Improve access to high quality, affordable biosimilars $35/month cost-sharing cap on insulin used in durable medical equipment pumps Medicare inflation rebates Information for Disaster Victims If you live in an area where an emergency or disaster has been declared by a federal, state, or local government, and that disaster or emergency kept you from signing up or switching or dropping plans during another qualifying enrollment period: For Original Medicare: You might have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to sign up for Part B and/or premium paid Part A. For a Medicare drug plan or Medicare Advantage Plan: You might have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to join, switch, or drop your plan. To make enrollment changes, call the plan or 1-800-MEDICARE . To qualify for this Special Enrollment Period, try to have paperwork that shows that you live in an affected area (like a driver’s license, utility bills, etc.). View emergency disaster declaration areas HERE 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. Translated Resources (courtesy of CMS and the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging) Medicare Open Enrollment fact sheet (English) عربي| Arabic (PDF) 中文 | Chinese (PDF) ខ្មែរ | Khmer (PDF) 한국인 | Korean (PDF) Tiếng Việt | Vietnamese (PDF) Medicare Open Enrollment post card (English) 中文 | Chinese (PDF) 한국인 | Korean (PDF) Tiếng Việt | Vietnamese (PDF) Changes to Medicare in 2025 (English) 2025年Medicare变更 (中文/ Simplified Chinese) Những Thay Đổi Medicare 2025 (Tiếng Việt/ Vietnamese) 2025년도 Medicare 변경 사항 (한국인/ Korean) If you have additional questions about Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, Social Security Retirement Benefit, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare Savings program, food/home energy assistance, or COVID/Flu vaccination, call NAPCA Senior Assistance Center. English 1-800-336-2722 普通话 1- 800-683-7427 廣東話 1-800-582-4218 한국어 1-800-582-4259 Tiếng Việt 1-800-582-4336 Email: askNAPCA@napca.org State Specific Senior Assistance Programs - Translated California (English ) 한국인/ Korean 中文/Simplified Chinese Tiếng Việt/ Vietnamese Illinois (English ) 한국인/ Korean 中文/ Simplified Chinese New York (English ) 한국인/ Korean 中文/ Simplified Chinese Tiếng Việt/ Vietnamese Washington (English ) 한국인/ Korean 中文/ Simplified Chinese Tiếng Việt/ Vietnamese Medicare Open Enrollment flyer (English) عربي| Arabic (PDF) 中文 | Chinese (PDF) ខ្មែរ | Khmer (PDF) 한국인 | Korean (PDF) Tiếng Việt | Vietnamese (PDF) PUBLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT — LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PUBLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES Expanding Access to Healthcare HIV Education & Outreach Tuberculosis Elimination Outreach Capacity Building Initiatives LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PUBLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES HIV Education & Outreach Tuberculosis Elimination Outreach Capacity Building Initiatives COVID-19 & Influenza

Since 2003, the Health Equity and Accountability Act (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. 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 POLICY HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HEAA) — HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCOUNTABLILITY ACT (HEAA) ABOUT 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. 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.” Senator Mazie K. Hirono “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 “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 “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 IN THE NEWS CONGRESSIONAL PRESS RELEASE APIAHF PRESS RELEASE PRESS EVENT FOR INTRODUCTION TO HEAA OVERVIEW OF HEAA'S TITLES 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 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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

JULY 13, 2023 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF STATEMENT ON THE APPOINTMENT OF DR. MANDY K. COHEN TO LEAD THE CDC JULY 13, 2023 WASHINGTON —This week, Mandy K. Cohen, MD, MPH began her tenure as Director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Cohen is one of the nation’s top health leaders, previously leading the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services where she oversaw the state’s Medicaid expansion and response to COVID-19, and launched the country’s first statewide coordination platform, NCCARE360. Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) released the following statement: “Dr. Cohen is a transformative leader with a depth of experience serving in executive level roles in both the public and private sectors. As a physician and administrator, she understands the need for holistic care, taking into account the unique needs of different communities. “We look forward to working with Dr. Cohen and the CDC to continue to improve the health and well-being of all communities in the country.” # # # 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

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