Earlier this week, 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), introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA). 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.
Advocates and experts have expressed support for provisions in this legislation that target a wide spectrum of health equity concerns. Chris T. Pernell, MD, MPH, FACPM, Director of the NAACP Center for Health Equity stated: “The NAACP is proud to join our partners in supporting the introduction of the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2024 (HEAA). We know firsthand the disparate impacts that health inequities have on Black and other marginalized communities. This legislation takes significant steps to right those wrongs, devising a health equity roadmap to advance health and racial justice at every intersection of the human experience.”
Carmen M. Feliciano, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at UnidosUS said: “UnidosUS is proud to continue its support for HEAA. This groundbreaking legislation would level the healthcare playing field, including for Latino families who continue facing barriers to affordable healthcare coverage and high-quality care that is linguistically accessible and culturally appropriate.”
Sinsi Hernández-Cancio, Vice President for Health Justice at the National Partnership for Women & Families commented: “The National Partnership for Women & Families is once again proud to endorse the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA). In addition to essential improvements to reproductive and maternal health, we welcome the addition of ‘Middle Eastern or North African’ as a category of racial and ethnic group.”
Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids remarked: “The Health Equity and Accountability Act requires comprehensive tobacco cessation coverage for all Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries without cost sharing... Raising the price of tobacco products is one of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use.”
LaVarne A. Burton, President and CEO of American Kidney Fund said: “AKF is proud to support the Health Equity and Accountability Act... which would make crucial investments in kidney health equity.”
Lisa A. Lacasse, President of American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network stated: “Guaranteeing that all people have access to quality, affordable health care is critical for eliminating disparities... We look forward to working with Congress on this legislation.”
Vince Hall from Feeding America noted: “Food insecurity can affect anyone but it’s not the same for everyone... Feeding America supports [HEAA] as a critical step to address persistent inequities by helping ensure everyone has access to food.”
Adam Carbullido from Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations added: “HEAA is comprehensive legislation that will deliver an equitable healthcare system addressing challenges faced by patients every day.”
HEAA builds upon policies enacted under landmark healthcare legislation such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Inflation Reduction Act. It lays out additional investments and policy changes aimed at improving health outcomes in underserved communities.