Health Equity Connection for April 2012

In this Issue

• New Resources
• Policy Updates
• National Minority Health Month
  
• Upcoming Events
  

New Resources

• Families USA
  Republicans Again Propose Slashing Funding for Medicaid, Medicare, and Other Health Programs
  
  
• Families USA
  The Republican Budget Proposal: Ending Medicare As We Know It—Again 
  
  
• Center for American Progress
  Interactive Quiz: How the Affordable Care Act Benefits Gay and Transgender Individuals
  
  
• Healthcare.gov
  The Affordable Care Act and Latinos
  
  
• Kaiser Family Foundation
  Webcast: Policy and Political Implications of the Supreme Court Case on the Affordable Care Act   

Policy Updates

The Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments on the Affordable Care Act

In late March, the Supreme Court heard arguments in Florida et al. v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, et al., the challenge to the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. During the arguments, the Court appeared divided on the constitutionality of the individual responsibility provision, with Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Kennedy seeming undecided. With regard to the Medicaid expansion and the question of severability, the Court also appeared uncertain. Expected to be handed down this summer, the Supreme Court’s ruling could have drastic implications not only for the millions of Americans who benefit from the law, but also for the federal government’s relationship with the states. 

House Republicans Pass Draconian Budget Plan

On March 29, the House of Representatives passed a budget proposal, authored by Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI), that aims to reduce the federal deficit by drastically cutting funding for programs that benefit middle-class and low-income Americans. The plan would repeal the Affordable Care Act, end Medicare and Medicaid as we know them, and ultimately strip millions of Americans—especially seniors, children, and low-income families—of their health care security.

National Minority Health Month

April is National Minority Health Month, providing us with time to reflect upon the importance of health equity for our communities. Check out this blog from the Office of Minority Health to celebrate the progress made in the fight to eliminate health disparities. Also, look here for a list of health equity events going on throughout the country.

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