CAPAC Commemorates One-Year Anniversary of the Passage of the Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congresswoman Judy Chu, Chairwoman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act:

“A year ago today, we rewrote the history books with the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Healthcare reform saves money and saves lives. That is why we must continue fighting back against the Republican repeal efforts that harm middle-class families, and work to ensure that affordable health care is available to all Americans.

“The Affordable Care Act is a victory for working families, especially those of Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander descent since many in our community are uninsured and have been hit hard by the economic recession. All in all, 35% of Korean Americans, 18% of Vietnamese Americans, and 18% of Indian Americans lack health coverage. Not only will healthcare reform provide AAPI families with improved access to affordable health care and essential health services, it lays the groundwork for addressing health disparities and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services. AAPIs account for over half of the chronic Hepatitis B cases in the U.S. and are more than two times as likely as white Americans to have diabetes. Without the Affordance Care Act, our community would continue to suffer needlessly from these diseases.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of the CAPAC Healthcare Taskforce, added the following:

“The Affordable Care Act dramatically expanded healthcare access for AAPI’s, extended protection for their children until age 26 and stopped the terrible practice of denying coverage to children who are sick.  Some of our AAPI communities have some of the lowest rates of health coverage and the important reforms passed one year ago will improve access, improve coverage and improve the linguistic and cultural competency of healthcare providers. I believe that the one year anniversary of the passage of this landmark law is an important opportunity to talk about the values that matter to our families and our communities and to work together to protect those values and ensure that healthcare in America is a right for all and not a privilege for the few.”

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently Chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.