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  • OUR WORK: POLICY: Human Equity & Human Rights | APIAHF

    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

  • OUR WORK: POLICY: HEAA | APIAHF

    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

  • OUR WORK: POLICY | APIAHF

    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

  • OUR WORK: POLICY: Medicare & Medicaid | APIAHF

    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

  • OUR WORK: POLICY: Expanding Access to Healthcare | APIAHF

    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

  • UPDATES: RESOURCES | APIAHF

    APIAHF Comments: CMS-9895-P: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2025; Updating Section 1332 Waiver Public Notice Procedures; Medicaid; Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP) Program; and Basic Health Program TESTIMONY & COMMENTS 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. 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. 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. RESOURCES — CBO SURVEY CBO REPORT

  • ABOUT | APIAHF

    ​APIAHF is the oldest and largest health advocacy organization working with AA & NH/PI communities across the nation, in the US Territories, and with the US‐affiliated Pacific jurisdictions. By providing policy and political analysis, research and data support, and effective communications strategies, APIAHF supports local AA & NH/PI communities to have an influence on local, state, and national policy. MISSION — Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. ABOUT — Offices in San Francisco and Washington, DC Established 1986 APIAHF is the oldest health advocacy organization working with AA & NH/PI communities across the nation, in the US Territories, and with the US‐affiliated Pacific jurisdictions. By providing policy and political analysis, research and data support, and effective communications strategies, APIAHF supports local AA & NH/PI communities to have an influence on local, state, and national policy. By providing grants, training, technical assistance, and consulting, APIAHF is a source of key resources so that communities can mobilize and grow stronger in their coalitions and organizational structures. VISION STATEMENT — APIAHF envisions a healthier future for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, inspired and driven by community. VALUES — RESPECT because we affirm the identity, rights and dignity of all people. FAIRNESS in how people are treated by others and by institutions, including who participates in decision making processes. EQUITY in power, opportunities, and resources to address obstacles, hindering vulnerable communities and groups from living their healthiest lives.

  • 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. Support APIAHF this Giving Tuesday to promote healthier AANHPI communities DONATE NOW OUR FOCUS — COVID-19 RESOURCES Culturally and linguistically accessible COVID-19 resources for AA and NH/PI communities 2025 START OF YEAR GIVING Donate Now! TAKE ACTION Help us protect families in the fight for health equity! OUR IMPACT — 39 Serving over 38 years of leadership, advocacy, and movement building 25m APIAHF is a leading voice for over 25 million AANHPIs in the U.S. 300+ Working with over 300 community organizations in all states and US territories 1m Helped enroll over 1,000,000 AANHPIs in the ACA LEARN MORE ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER NETWORKS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH Results of a National Survey of Community-Based Organizations FOURTH EDITION I SUMMER 2025 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 HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM APIAHF The 9th annual National Day of Racial Healing is Jan. 21, 2025! You’re invited to join conversations designed to share truth, deepen relationships, and build trust to create a more just and equitable world. V isit DayOfRacialHealing.org to learn more. LEARN MORE OCTOBER 2-3, 2025 CAPITAL HILTON, WASHINGTON D.C. LEARN MORE

  • OUR WORK: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | APIAHF

    The Community Engagement (CE) team manages APIAHF’s national partner network, which comprises over 250 community-based organizations in 40 states and 3 U.S. jurisdictions. CE engages with community partners by meeting with CBOs virtually and in person, supporting inter-departmental programmatic activities, and by sending out weekly newsletters with essential updates, funding opportunities, and upcoming events.  COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT — The Community Engagement (CE) team manages APIAHF’s national partner network, which comprises over 300 community-based organizations throughout 40 states, Washington D.C., and 3 U.S.‐Affiliated Pacific Islands jurisdictions. CE engages with community partners by meeting with CBOs virtually and in person, supporting inter-departmental programmatic activities, and by sending out weekly newsletters with essential updates, funding opportunities, and upcoming events. For more information email us at communityengagement@apiahf.org .

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  • CASEY LEE

    DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CASEY LEE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Casey Lee is the Director of Community Engagement at the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. Previously, she served as the first-ever Policy Director for the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), where she advised on federal health, civil rights, and other policy issues to advance the interests of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities during the 118th Congress. During her tenure, she prepared the introduction of the Health Equity and Accountability Act – the landmark health equity bill of the Congressional Tri-Caucus, led the caucus’ engagement in successfully strengthening questions on the U.S. decennial census and other federal government forms to better represent and serve all AANHPI populations, and helped secure the removal of discriminatory anti-Asian measures from major legislation. Throughout these efforts, she developed and maintained relationships with over 100 stakeholder partners, including CAPAC member offices, congressional committee and leadership staff, and dozens of national and community-based organizations. Prior to CAPAC, Casey served as a staffer for the House Judiciary Committee Democrats, an APAICS legislative fellow for Congressman Ted Lieu, and an aide on national immigration reform and candidate campaigns. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and born to immigrant parents from Taiwan and Singapore, she earned a B.A. in political science from UCLA. Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF

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