What People Are Saying: Health Equity and Accountability Act

WASHINGTON, DC – 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), legislation that would address health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities as well as women, the LGBTQ+ community, rural populations, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities across the United States. Advocates and experts support provisions in this legislation that uniquely target a wide spectrum of health equity concerns. Here's what they have said: 

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Center for Health Equity: “The NAACP is proud to join our partners in supporting the introduction of the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2024 (HEAA),” said Chris T. Pernell, MD, MPH, FACPM, Director of the NAACP Center for Health Equity. “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. The NAACP applauds the Congressional Tri-Caucus and Senator Hirono, Congresswoman Lee, and Congresswoman Chu for leading this effort and paving the way for equity. We will not stop fighting for a healthy future, for everybody.”

UnidosUS: “UnidosUS is proud to continue its support for HEAA,” said Carmen M. Feliciano, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at UnidosUS. “This groundbreaking legislation would level the healthcare playing field, including for Latino families who continue facing barriers to affordable healthcare coverage and to high-quality care that is linguistically accessible and culturally appropriate.”

National Partnership for Women & Families: “The National Partnership for Women & Families is once again proud to endorse the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA),” said Sinsi Hernández-Cancio, Vice President for Health Justice at the National Partnership for Women & Families. “In addition to the inclusion of 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 to ensure that all women are centered in our efforts to improve a health care system that has often failed people of color, women, LGBTQ+ folks, people with disabilities, and immigrants. In the face of constant attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, it has become even more important to support bold and visionary legislation like the Health Equity and Accountability Act.”

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids: “The Health Equity and Accountability Act requires comprehensive tobacco cessation coverage for all Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries without cost sharing, which is critical as Medicaid beneficiaries smoke at more than twice the rate of those with private insurance,” said Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “In addition, the bill doubles the cigarette excise tax and creates tax parity for other tobacco products. Raising the price of tobacco products is one of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use, especially among price-sensitive kids. We applaud Senator Hirono and Representatives Lee and Chu for their leadership in tackling the enormous problem of health disparities at this critical time, including disparities caused by tobacco use. This legislation will improve health and save lives.”

American Kidney Fund (AKF): “AKF is proud to support the Health Equity and Accountability Act, and we thank Sen. Mazie Hirono, Rep. Barbara Lee and Rep. Judy Chu, along with the entire Congressional Tri-Caucus, for reintroducing this important legislation, which would make a number of crucial investments in the kidney health of Americans and improve kidney health equity, a cornerstone of AKF’s mission,” said LaVarne A. Burton, President and CEO of AKF.

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN): “The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) believes everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer,” said Lisa A. Lacasse, President of ACS CAN. “Guaranteeing that all people have access to quality, affordable health care is a critical factor for eliminating disparities and ensuring health equity. We look forward to working with Congress on this legislation that promotes policy solutions for reducing disparities for cancer and other diseases and conditions that significantly impact people of color.”

Feeding America: “Food insecurity can affect anyone, but it’s not the same for everyone,” said Vince Hall, Chief Government Relations Officer at Feeding America. “Some groups, like people of color, are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity. While many factors contribute to food insecurity, systemic racism and discrimination have created significant barriers to food access for such communities. Some of the highest rates of food insecurity are found in rural areas as well. Feeding America supports the Health Equity and Accountability Act introduced by Sen. Hirono and Rep. Lee, and believes this bill is a critical step to address persistent inequities by helping to ensure everyone has access to the food and resources they need to thrive.”

Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO): “Like all underserved communities, Asian American, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders face diverse and unique disparities affecting our health and wellbeing,” said Adam Carbullido, Director of Policy and Advocacy at AAPCHO. “HEAA is comprehensive and forward looking legislation that will deliver an equitable health care system that addresses the challenges faced by patients and providers every day. It is imperative that Congress act to secure the health care rights of every person in the U.S., including communities of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, persons with disabilities, rural communities, territory residents, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.”

HEAA builds upon policies enacted under landmark health care legislation, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Inflation Reduction Act, and lays out additional investments and policy changes to improve the health and well-being of underserved communities, address systemic health inequities, and ensure access to high-quality and affordable health care for all.

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