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 . # # # 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

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FEBRUARY 24, 2026 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS FEBRUARY 24, 2026 WASHINGTON — Tonight, President Donald Trump shared the Administration’s actions and future plans in his State of the Union address. Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), released the following statement: “Tonight’s State of the Union comes at a pivotal moment as the nation’s trust in our public health infrastructure is under strain and millions of vulnerable Americans face rising healthcare costs and the real risk of losing coverage altogether. Policymakers must take immediate, bipartisan action to blunt the harmful impacts of H.R. 1 and prevent deep cuts to essential safety net programs that families rely on every day. “Across the country, many working families — especially immigrant families — are not feeling relief; they are experiencing deep and growing uncertainty and anxiety. Healthcare costs continue to climb out of reach, and immigration enforcement actions in previously protected locations such as hospitals, schools, childcare centers, and places of worship are further undermining community trust. “Even in the face of these challenges, communities are supporting one another through mutual aid and collective action. APIAHF will continue to demand accountability from elected leaders and encourage eligible voters and community leaders alike to stay informed, participate and make their voices heard at the ballot box.” # # # 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

AUGUST 30, 2023 PRESS RELEASE 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: Pause procedural disenrollments for those individuals impacted, Reinstate coverage for all affected individuals and provide retroactive eligibility back to the date of termination, 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 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. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

APRIL 4, 2025 PRESS RELEASE STATEMENT ON THE CONFIRMATION OF DR. MEHMET OZ AS ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES APRIL 4, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Senate confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency responsible for providing health coverage to more than 160 million people through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. As the nation’s largest health care payer, CMS plays a critical role in shaping the future of health care by advancing quality, equity, and access. As of 2020, approximately 4.5 million AANHPI individuals were enrolled in Medicaid, covering over one million AANHPI children and 1.6 million of these enrollments through the Medicaid expansion pathway. Nearly 2.3 million AANHPIs are enrolled in Medicare. This population grew by approximately 11 percent from 2017 to 2019, the highest percentage increase compared to other racial groups. Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, issued the following statement: “As Administrator Oz assumes leadership of CMS, we look forward to seeing him fulfill his Senate hearing commitment to protecting and strengthening health care for all Americans, especially the most vulnerable. We urge him to safeguard Medicaid and Medicare from harmful cuts and to advance policies rooted in data-driven, evidence-based research that reduce health disparities. “APIAHF remains committed to working with Administrator Oz and the Administration to ensure that every community—regardless of background—has access to high-quality, affordable health care.” # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

JUNE 27, 2025 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF APPLAUDS SUPREME COURT DECISION PRESERVING NO-COST PREVENTIVE SERVICES, RAISES CONCERN OVER HHS ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL OF TASK FORCE JUNE 27, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) welcomes today’s Supreme Court decision in Kennedy v. Braidwood Management , which upholds the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) requirement that insurance companies cover preventive health services—such as colonoscopies, cancer screenings, and HIV prevention drugs—at no cost to patients. This landmark ruling protects access to lifesaving care for millions, including over 26 million Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) individuals, many of whom already face significant health disparities and structural barriers to care. “Today’s ruling is a vital win for public health, tackling persistent health disparities and health equity,” said Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of APIAHF. “The ACA’s preventive care mandate has saved countless lives by removing cost as a barrier to essential services. It is reassuring that the Supreme Court upheld this critical protection that so many families and communities rely on.” Since 2010, the ACA has allowed over 150 million people to access preventive services without out-of-pocket costs. APIAHF enrolled over 1 million AANHPIs to receive coverage under the ACA. These preventative services include HIV prevention (PrEP), vaccines, cancer screenings, and chronic disease assessments. For AANHPI communities, the stakes are particularly high: Colorectal and liver cancer are leading causes of death among AANHPIs, yet screening rates continue to lag. Asian Americans make up more than 50% of hepatitis B infections in the U.S.—early screening is crucial for prevention and treatment. New HIV diagnoses have risen in the AANHPI population, making continued access to PrEP and related services essential. While the Court’s decision preserves these vital benefits, APIAHF remains concerned by its affirmation of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary’s authority to control the membership and recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)—the independent expert body that determines which services insurers must cover under the ACA. “Preserving coverage is a win, but politicizing the process of deciding what gets covered is a dangerous precedent,” said Choi. “Communities of color—including AANHPIs—depend on the integrity and scientific independence of the USPSTF. We urge Congress and the Administration to safeguard this process from undue political influence.” APIAHF calls on policymakers to ensure that decisions about preventive care continue to be grounded in medical research, public health science, and community needs, not shifting political priorities. # # # 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

COVID-19 RESPONSE FELLOW CALI TRAN COVID-19 RESPONSE FELLOW OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Cali Tran is a COVID-19 Response Fellow for the Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum. Advocating through a racial equity lens for Philadelphia’s various communities of color has been her personal and professional praxis. Her specialty lies in mezzo-level social work, particularly in qualitative research and program development and implementation in community-based organizations. Cali’s intersecting identities of being a queer, disabled, and neurodivergent daughter of Vietnamese refugees have informed causes close to her heart, including immigrant and refugee wellness, mental health, reproductive health, and domestic/interpersonal violence awareness and prevention. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology from Temple University in 2016, and a Master of Social Work degree from West Chester University in 2020. In her free time, she is a visual artist, home design enthusiast, and hobbyist anthropologist interested in foodways and cultural preservation. Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF

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

MAY 10, 2025 PRESS RELEASE RECOGNIZING AANHPI MENTAL HEALTH DAY, APIAHF CALLS FOR CHANGE & ENDORSES BICAMERAL MENTAL HEALTH BILLS MAY 10, 2025 WASHINGTON –Today, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) recognizes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day, which falls during both AANHPI Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. APIAHF endorsed the bicameral reintroductions of the Stop Mental Health Stigma In Our Communities Act of 2025 and the 2025 AANHPI Mental Health Day Resolution, led by Senator Mazie Hirono (HI) and Representative Judy Chu (CA-28). The Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act would instruct SAMHSA to: Establish a national outreach and education mental health and substance misuse strategy for the AANHPI community by partnering with advocacy and behavioral health organizations that have an established record of serving AANHPI communities; and Conduct research and collect disaggregated data on the state of behavioral health among AANHPI youth and on the shortage of AANHPIs in the behavioral health workforce. The National AANHPI Mental Health Day resolution recognizes the importance of mental health to the wellbeing of AANHPI families and communities and acknowledges the importance of raising awareness around mental health care. It also encourages health agencies to adopt policies to improve utilization of mental health services for the AANHPI community, as well as other marginalized communities. Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, released the following statement: “Stigma and persistent barriers have kept AANHPIs from the mental health care they deserve—leading to some of the lowest utilization rates nationwide. It’s time for change. We know that better health outcomes are attainable, but we must take legislative action to invest in a mental health care workforce and infrastructure that is culturally and linguistically appropriate. The bicameral introductions of the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act and the AANHPI Mental Health Day Resolution mark vital steps toward closing the unacceptable disparities in mental health care and chronic disease treatment experienced in our communities.” See Rep. Judy Chu’s press release HERE . # # # 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

DECEMBER 19, 2025 PRESS RELEASE HOUSE FAILURE TO EXTEND ACA TAX CREDITS WILL DRIVE UP HEALTH CARE COSTS DECEMBER 19, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) is deeply disappointed that the U.S. House of Representatives failed to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits (PTCs), which will mean millions of Americans will now face healthcare costs far out of reach. Without congressional action, enhanced PTCs are set to expire, resulting in sharp premium increases and widespread coverage losses nationwide. In total, more than 20 million Americans are projected to face higher healthcare costs in the coming year—including over 1.5 million Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders —forcing families across all communities to choose between medical care and basic necessities. Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of APIAHF gave the following statement: “Congress’ failure to act will have real and immediate consequences for families across this country. When healthcare premiums spike overnight, people delay care, take on medical debt, or lose coverage altogether. Millions of Americans will see their healthcare costs balloon by an average of $1,016 in the new year. Affordable healthcare should not be a partisan issue. Allowing these protections to lapse undermines years of progress and puts lives at risk—especially for communities already facing deep economic and health inequities.” APIAHF urges Congress to act immediately to extend ACA premium tax credits and protect affordable healthcare access for all communities. Failure to do so will disproportionately harm communities of color, immigrants, seniors, small business owners, and low- and moderate-income families who rely on the ACA Marketplace for comprehensive, affordable coverage. ### Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

JUNE 30, 2023 PRESS RELEASE SUPREME COURT CONTINUES TO ERODE RIGHTS AND THE HEALTH OF ALL AMERICANS JUNE 30, 2023 WASHINGTON —Today marks the final day of the 2022-23 U.S. Supreme Court term. Our nation ends the term with dire impacts due to the politicization of our Court, which continues to roll back longstanding laws impacting our health and civil rights. Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, issued the following statement: “Over the last two years, the Court has undermined our liberties, including affirmative action, the right to an abortion and ensuring the LGBTQ+ community is treated with dignity and respect. The Court’s decision today in 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenis, under the guise of free speech, denies same-sex couples equal access to public businesses based solely on sexual orientation. This argument continues to harm the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community, including an estimated 325,000 AANHPI individuals, by opening the door for discrimination and asserting a second-class citizen status of a protected class. ”What is clear is that courts matter. Voters have the power to elect leaders – including the President and Senators – who directly shape our courts. We must continue to hold our elected leaders accountable, and this can only be done by ensuring that we all civically engage in the electoral process.” In addition to the Court’s decision in 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenis, APIAHF raised concerns on two recent decisions. Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard – decided June 29, 2023 “The Court has long held that affirmative action is vital to advancing diversity and ensuring our graduates are prepared for our multiracial workforce and society. This decision has implications not only for undergraduate admissions but also for graduate-level admissions, including medical and nursing school, said Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. “Our communities’ health does best when medical professionals are more likely to understand our experiences. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders continue to be grossly underrepresented in the medical profession, and health equity is further compromised by this decision – particularly in the shadow of the impact of COVID-19 on NHPI communities, which had one of the highest per capita death rates in our nation.” Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization – decided June 24, 2022 “We have already seen the chilling effect of the Dobbs decision on vulnerable communities. The erosion of reproductive rights disproportionately affects AANHPI women, immigrant women, women of color, and other underserved populations who already face significant barriers to accessing comprehensive and affordable health care,” said Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. “Abortion care is an integral part of health care and reproductive justice must be protected for all individuals, irrespective of their background, circumstances or the states that they reside in. As we observe this sorrowful day, APIAHF recommits to protecting and restoring reproductive rights, ensuring that every person has the autonomy to make decisions about their own bodies and lives. We call upon our leaders, at all levels of government, to take a stand and safeguard the rights and well-being of all individuals, upholding the principles of justice, equity, and personal autonomy.” # # # BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

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 —