HEALTHCARE REFORM:

“COVERAGE IS NOT ENOUGH!”

(Washington DC) – The Congressional TriCaucus – comprised of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus – will hold a news conference on Tuesday, June 9 at 10 am regarding their priorities for healthcare reform–particularly the need to address racial and ethnic health disparities.

The TriCaucus is committed to healthcare reform that expands coverage to all Americans while also reducing the serious health disparities that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities.

Among the other elements of healthcare reform members of the TriCaucus have identified as priorities are:

• A public health insurance option that is universal and includes mental, dental and oral health services.

• Elevating the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities at the National Institutes of Health and strengthening the Office of Minority Health within the Department of Health and Human Services.

• Addressing cultural and linguistic concerns such as credentialing for medical translators and ensuring adequate reimbursement for language and translation services.

• Healthcare provisions regarding clinical trials must also – whenever possible – include racial and ethnic, as well as gender diversity to better determine effects on a broad range of groups.

WHO: Members of the Congressional TriCaucus and healthcare professionals.

Congressman Michael Honda, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus
Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus
Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
Congresswoman Donna Christensen and Congressman Danny K. Davis, Co-Chair’s of the CBC Health and Wellness Taskforce
Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, Chair of the CAPAC Health Taskforce
Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Chair of the CHC Health and the Environment Task Force
Special remarks by Dr. Brian Smedley, Vice President and Director, Health Policy Institute at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.

WHAT: Congressional TriCaucus Health Equity News Conference

WHEN: Tuesday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: The House Triangle, which is located at the base of the East Capitol steps