12/7/2020
Boston. – “Today, President-elect Biden announced the nomination of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra for Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Health Care For All applauds the incoming administration for selecting a leader who is a champion for health care and immigrant rights. “In my former capacity as Director of External Affairs and Campaigns at Community Catalyst, I had the opportunity to work closely with then-Congressman Becerra and his staff to help pass and implement the Affordable Care Act (ACA). During that time, I witnessed firsthand his tireless commitment to health care and other issues that were important to all people, particularly to those underserved or underrepresented. “Later, Becerra became California’s Attorney General and has been leading the defense of the law before the U.S. Supreme Court. Keeping the ACA intact is crucial to ensuring that 23 million Americans – including over 400,000 Massachusetts residents – are able to maintain health coverage. “Becerra is also at the forefront of protecting immigrant rights. Health Care For All’s HelpLine hears every day from immigrant families who are fearful of maintaining coverage or seeking care due to the Trump administration’s public charge rule. Becerra has taken legal action to block the implementation of the rule, which targets immigrants with modest incomes by turning the use of public benefits into barriers to adjusting immigration status. “Becerra’s nomination holds the opportunity for the federal government to implement a proactive agenda that builds upon the ACA, promotes health equity, and expands access to affordable, quality health care for all people living in the United States.”