Healthcare should be affordable and accessible for all. That means nobody should be denied life-saving treatments because of preexisting conditions, nor should anybody have to choose between paying for medicine or paying their bills. As a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee and its Health Subcommittee, I am committed to working to protect and expand the Affordable Care Act, as well as protecting the Medicare program so we can ensure our Seniors have quality care they can count on.

The ACA made considerable improvements to our nation’s healthcare system, which includes putting in place protections for people with pre-existing conditions, preventing health plans from charging women more than men, and requiring that all health plans cover a minimum set of Essential Health Benefits, like hospital visits and prescription drugs.

Instead of attacking the ACA as Republicans have since it was passed, Congress should be working together to improve the system we have, like continuing to invest in public health and expanding Medicaid. I also believe we should be doing more to address the underlying costs of healthcare, like the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs.

Finally, I believe we should be looking forward in healthcare, not backwards. That is why I am one of the founding members of the Medicare for All Caucus. The purpose of this Caucus is to begin discussions about how to improve and expand healthcare coverage for everyone in our country.

Additionally, one of my top priorities in Congress is to ensure equal access to healthcare, no matter your race, background, or zip code. Every Congress, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Black Caucus, collectively known as the Tri Caucus, introduce the Health Equity and Accountability Act. This bill is focused on eliminating health disparities in minority populations and ensuring that healthcare is not out of reach for anyone. As Chair of CAPAC, I work help introduce this bill each Congress.

If you are looking to enroll in health insurance, our state’s exchange is called “Covered California.” Open enrollment is through November-January; check Covered California for specific dates. Purchasers may be eligible for subsidies to help cover the costs of the premiums.  To learn more, visit www.coveredca.com or call 1-888-975-1142. Paper applications are also available in Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and other languages here