Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum Issues Statement Condemning U.S. Court of Appeals Affordable Care Act Decision

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum issued the following statement:

Yesterday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in a 2-1 decision held the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unconstitutional and instructed the lower court, which had previously held the ACA unconstitutional, to determine whether the remaining portions of the ACA can stand.

"APIAHF is extremely disappointed in the court's decision that puts the health of millions of Americans at risk, said Juliet K. Choi, senior vice president for government & external relations of APIAHF.

"The Fifth Circuit's decision against the ACA could potentially disrupt our entire American health care system by leaving the decision to a sole judge who had already ruled against the ACA. Anticipating the matter will head to the U.S. Supreme Court, it is unlikely the Court would hear the appeal before the 2020 Elections, which underscores the need to elect leaders that will ensure our health care is protected."

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The Asian & Pacic Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.