Mazie Hirono: “there is no shortage of examples showing how our Nation systemically fails communities of color and other minorities…”

“there is no shortage of examples showing how our Nation systemically fails communities of color and other minorities, but the events of 2020--namely COVID-19 and the killings of Black Americans--have brought heightened attention and urgency to addressing inequities and disparities throughout our nation. Tragically, these inequities and disparities pervade our health care system, resulting in poor health outcomes and barriers to care for far too many communities. Mr. President, I believe that healthcare is a right--not a privilege--and that this right should extend to everyone in our Nation. Yet, this is not the case. Our Nation falls short in ensuring that right to everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, immigration status, or any other factor, which is why I am reintroducing the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA). This bill is a comprehensive blueprint of bold policy solutions that address a wide spectrum of health equity concerns. Despite progress made through the Affordable Care Act, health care access remains a problem in the U.S., with minority communities disproportionately facing barriers to coverage. HEAA expands access to health care for many communities in need including immigrant communities, rural communities, and of particular importance to my state, citizens of the Freely Associated States who are living in our country under the Compacts of Free Association.…”