Lawmakers reintroduce bill targeting healthcare equity

Government
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Senator Mazie K. Hirono | U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Representative Judy Chu (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), have introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) of 2024. This legislation aims to address health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities, women, the LGBTQ+ community, rural populations, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities across the United States. HEAA has been introduced in every Congress since 2003 with support from CAPAC, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).

"Everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable health care," said Senator Hirono. "The Health Equity and Accountability Act will help dismantle these barriers by implementing comprehensive provisions to address inequities."

"As a co-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus healthcare taskforce, I am proud to lead the re-introduction of HEAA," stated Congresswoman Lee. "We need to pass HEAA to address underlying challenges that prevent communities of color and underserved communities from gaining coverage."

"HEAA would create a healthcare system that works for all Americans," said CAPAC Chair Rep. Chu.

"For generations, Black Americans have faced persistent disparities in health outcomes," added CBC Chairman Steven Horsford.

"As Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I’m proud to join in introducing HEAA," said CHC Chair Nanette Barragán.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly emphasized that "the Health Equity and Accountability Act will address disparities in maternal health, mental health, improve research, and support culturally competent care."

Senator Padilla noted that "persistent structural inequities too often prevent historically marginalized groups from receiving essential care."

"This legislation is designed to dismantle systemic barriers," said Senator Booker.

HEAA builds upon policies enacted under landmark healthcare legislation such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Inflation Reduction Act. It includes comprehensive policy changes across ten titles: Data Collection and Reporting; Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Health and Health Care; Health Workforce Diversity; Improving Health Care Access and Quality; Improving Health Outcomes for Women, Gender-Diverse People, Children, and Families; Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders; Addressing High-Impact Minority Diseases; Health Information Technology; Accountability and Evaluation; Addressing Social Determinants and Improving Environmental Justice.

In addition to Senator Hirono's sponsorship in the Senate, cosponsors include Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). In the House, cosponsors include Representatives Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) among others.

HEAA is endorsed by over 70 organizations including Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations, National Immigration Law Center among others.

Juliet K. Choi of APIAHF stated that "Underserved communities face substantial barriers to obtaining quality health care." Jeffrey B. Caballero from AAPCHO called HEAA "visionary legislation." Kica Matos from NILC emphasized addressing unfair obstacles so more people can access care.

Madeline T. Morcelle from NHeLP described HEAA as a crucial opportunity for fighting racial health inequities while LaVarne A. Burton from AKF highlighted its importance for kidney health equity.

Gary A. Puckrein from NMQF expressed pride in their partnership on Title IX - Accountability and Evaluation within HEAA which ensures federal accountability efforts towards reducing health inequities.

Isha Weerasinghe from CLASP connected health equity with economic justice while Adam Beddawi from NNAAC stressed how recent federal standards revisions can improve analysis on health disparities through data collection provisions within HEAA.