In celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month, HHS hosts discussion to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to meeting the needs of immigrant communities and advance health equity.

On Monday, June 5, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra hosted a roundtable discussion with leaders of seven national organizations serving immigrant communities. Secretary Becerra was additionally joined by Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), the first formerly undocumented person to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Secretary opened the meeting by reaffirming HHS’ commitment to supporting the health and well-being of immigrant communities, and invited participants to offer their perspective on how HHS can further expand support for those in  immigrant communities, including DACA recipients.

 During the meeting, the group discussed the work of HHS to improve the mental health of immigrant communities, reduce health care barriers for DACA recipients, expand language access initiatives, and provide resources for immigrant communities now that the COVID-19 PHE has ended.

In April, HHS, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that, if finalized, would expand access to health care by reducing barriers for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. The proposed change applies to the Health Insurance Marketplaces, the Basic Health Program, and some Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP). If the rule is finalized as proposed, it could lead to 129,000 previously uninsured DACA recipients receiving health care coverage.

Additionally, in April, HHS announced the ‘HHS Bridge Access Program for COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments  to maintain broad access to COVID-19 vaccines for millions of uninsured Americans, including those in immigrant communities. The program will create a unique  public-private partnership to help maintain uninsured individuals’ access to COVID-19 care at their local pharmacies, through existing public health infrastructure, and at their local health centers.

 For the first time, last year, as part of the Department’s Equity Action Plan, HHS provided the “Medicare & You” handbook in languages other than English and increased language access efforts on healthcare.gov. Language access has also been a cornerstone of HHS’ mental health resources. Immigrant communities can utilize 988 and Findsupport.gov in midst of a mental health crisis and to seek additional care. The crisis helpline is available in English and Spanish and has interpreter services in 60 languages. HHS will continue to focus on addressing barriers that individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) face in obtaining information, services and/or benefits from HHS federally conducted programs

The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to continuing to advance health equity and centering the needs of underserved populations, including immigrant communities. HHS work to support the health and well-being of immigrant communities is reflective of this commitment.

The following participants joined the roundtable: 

• Xavier Becerra, HHS Secretary 
• U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) 
• Juliana Macedo do Nascimento, Deputy Director of Federal Advocacy , United We Dream 
• Kica Matos, President, National Immigration Law Center 
• Eric Rodriguez, Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, Unidos US 
• Nana Gyamfi, Executive Director, Black Alliance for Just Immigration 
• John C. Yang, President, Asian Americans Advancing Justice 
• Thais Carrero, Director of Policy and Advocacy, National Partnership for New Americans 
• Mona Makki, Director of Community Health and Research Center, Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services