
From the Forum:
WASHINGTON—The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) welcomed today’s introduction of the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2014 (HEAA) (H.R. 5294). The bill, introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, builds on the strengths of the health care reform law and provides additional tools to address health and health care disparities affecting minority and underserved communities
“We commend Rep. Roybal-Allard and the Congressional Tri-Caucus for their commitment to health equity for all communities,” said Kathy Ko Chin, president and CEO of APIAHF. “The Health Equity and Accountability Act complements the historic Affordable Care Act to create a more equitable health care system that truly meets the needs of all.”
“The HEAA is what is needed to ensure our health system responds to the country’s changing demographics,” said Priscilla Huang, APIAHF policy director. “The bill calls for targeted reforms to improve the health of subpopulations of communities of color that face additional barriers based on immigration status, disability, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, geographic location and limited English proficiency.”
In addition, the bill would restore Medicaid eligibility to COFA migrants from the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, who are free to work and live in the U.S. subject to deportation laws and regulations.