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

MARCH 23, 2026 PRESS RELEASE APIAHF MARKS ANNIVERSARY OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT, HIGHLIGHTING HISTORIC GAINS FOR AANHPI COMMUNITIES MARCH 23, 2026 WASHINGTON —Today, on the 16 th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) celebrates the law’s transformative impact in expanding access to affordable, quality health care for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, while underscoring the urgent need to protect and strengthen its gains. Since its enactment in 2010, the ACA has extended health coverage to more than 45 million Americans nationwide and dramatically reduced the uninsured rate across all racial and ethnic groups. For AANHPI communities in particular, the progress has been profound. The uninsured rate among non-elderly AANHPI populations dropped from 16.6 percent in 2010 to just 6.2 percent in 2022—a 63 percent reduction and the largest relative coverage gain of any racial or ethnic group. This translates to approximately 4.6 million more AANHPI individuals gaining health insurance coverage over the past decade. The ACA has also helped eliminate longstanding disparities in coverage. Prior to the law, AANHPI communities experienced higher uninsured rates than white Americans, but those gaps have now effectively closed. In addition, enrollment among AANHPI consumers in ACA Marketplaces continues to grow, increasing by 14 percent between 2020 and 2023 alone. Despite this progress, significant challenges remain. Language barriers, immigration-related exclusions, and affordability concerns continue to limit access to care for many within the diverse AANHPI population. “On this anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, we celebrate a law that has fundamentally changed what health care access looks like for our communities,” said Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of APIAHF. “For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander families, the ACA has meant the difference between going without care and getting the services they need to live healthy, productive lives. But our work is far from over. Persistent disparities, affordability challenges, and policy threats put this progress at risk. We must continue to strengthen the ACA and ensure that every member of our communities—regardless of language, income, or immigration status—can access culturally and linguistically appropriate care.” APIAHF calls on policymakers to build on the ACA’s success by expanding affordability programs, protecting Medicaid and Marketplace coverage, and investing in community-based outreach that ensures AANHPI populations are not left behind. As the nation reflects on the ACA’s legacy, APIAHF remains committed to advancing health equity and ensuring that AANHPI communities continue to benefit from the law’s promise of accessible, affordable care for all. # # # 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 —

APRIL 10, 2025 PRESS RELEASE HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE SAVE ACT: A DIRECT THREAT TO AANHPI VOTER ACCESS APRIL 10, 2025 WASHINGTON —The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) condemns today’s passage of the SAVE Act (H.R. 22) in the U.S. House of Representatives—if enacted into law—it would disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, particularly from Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Further, this will disproportionately harm voters who live in rural areas, especially in the Midwest and South; along with those with accessibility needs including elders. The legislation would require voters to present documentation—such as a birth certificate or passport—to register or update voter registration in person, which may result in people having to drive needless hours to vote. It would also eliminate online registration in 42 states, harm vote-by-mail initiatives, and make commonly accepted forms of ID, like REAL IDs, military IDs, or tribal IDs, insufficient to prove citizenship. Juliet K. Choi, president & CEO of APIAHF, issued the following statement: “The passage of the SAVE Act is a dangerous step backward for our democracy and brings us back to the time of a poll tax. Rather than safeguarding elections, this legislation erects new barriers to the ballot box—disproportionately harming communities like ours that already face systemic obstacles to voting. “AANHPI voters have long been impacted by discriminatory practices like voter purges of eligible voters due to minor discrepancies in name spellings. These bureaucratic errors have silenced thousands of our voices at the polls. This bill would worsen those barriers by undermining state-level solutions that are beginning to fix the problem. “AANHPI communities—especially naturalized citizens and first-generation voters—are also among the highest users of vote-by-mail and online registration systems. In 2020, over 60 percent of Asian American voters cast ballots by mail, and online registration has been a critical entry point for our communities to participate in civic life. “Let’s be clear: this is not about election security. This is about restricting access and silencing voices. We call on the Senate to reject this harmful and unnecessary legislation.” APIAHF remains committed to protecting the rights of all Americans—regardless of race, language, or immigration background—to access free and fair elections. # # # Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES

JULY 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

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