The Biden-Harris Administration has made unparalleled strides in advancing equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA & NHPI) communities. These achievements were prominently displayed during the September 26th AA & NHPI Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., hosted by the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI). This day-long event brought together senior White House officials, community leaders, and policy experts to highlight the administration’s accomplishments and reaffirm its commitment to addressing the needs of AA & NHPI communities.
Empowering Communities through Economic Resources and Opportunities
A core theme of the summit was how the Biden-Harris administration has expanded access to economic resources and opportunities for AA & NHPI individuals. This empowerment has improved the quality of life, raised the standard of living for families, and enabled fuller participation in the American economy. The administration’s efforts to promote economic equity—through initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and targeted support for small businesses—have directly benefited millions within AA & NHPI communities.
Key policy initiatives, such as the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, have served as lifelines to these communities. Data from the WHIAANHPI x AAPI Data National Factsheet shows that Asian Americans now comprise 7.24% of the U.S. population, growing 39% between 2010 and 2020. These initiatives have ensured that underserved populations receive critical resources, resulting in improved access to housing, education, and business opportunities. Notably, the administration has prioritized expanding technical assistance and capacity-building tools to help AA & NHPI organizations and small businesses compete for federal grants and contracts.
Closing the Health Insurance Gap
The administration has made significant progress in closing the health insurance gap for AA & NHPI communities. Before President Biden took office, nearly 1.5 million AA & NHPI individuals were uninsured. Today, the uninsured rate has dropped to a historic low of 8%, with over 5 million Americans gaining coverage since the administration began. These gains are especially critical for communities such as the Bhutanese, Burmese, and Marshallese, where language barriers and poverty rates are disproportionately high.
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, prescription drug prices have dropped significantly, particularly for seniors on Medicare. The $35 cap on insulin prices has been transformative for many AA & NHPI households. Additionally, targeted outreach by federal agencies ensures that AA & NHPI communities are better informed about and connected to healthcare resources than ever before.
Behavioral Health and Mental Well-Being
Another unprecedented area of focus for the Biden-Harris administration is the behavioral health of AA & NHPI communities. As someone who has worked closely with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), I have witnessed the administration’s commitment to tackling mental health challenges. The historic AA & NHPI Mental Health Summit, held in 2023 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), was a pivotal moment in improving access to culturally appropriate behavioral healthcare.
In July 2024, I had the privilege of attending a White House AA & NHPI Mental Health Convening, where key stakeholders discussed ongoing efforts to support the mental health needs of underserved communities. The Biden-Harris administration’s Mental Health Strategy emphasizes a whole-of-society approach, transforming behavioral health services by expanding prevention, treatment, and recovery options. These efforts are vital for breaking down barriers to care in immigrant and refugee communities.
Addressing Poverty and Inequity
Despite significant economic progress, poverty remains a persistent issue within AA & NHPI communities. According to the WHIAANHPI x AAPI Data National Factsheet, 12.3% of Asian Americans and 16.3% of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders live below 200% of the federal poverty line. Communities such as Bhutanese, Burmese, and Bangladeshi Americans experience even higher poverty rates. The Biden-Harris administration has proactively addressed these disparities through interventions like the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
Additionally, the administration has prioritized data disaggregation, which is crucial for understanding the hidden needs within AA & NHPI communities. While overall poverty rates for Asian Americans may appear lower than the national average, disaggregating the data by ethnic group reveals stark disparities. This underscores the importance of tailoring policy responses to meet the specific needs of different communities.
Expanding Language Access and Civic Engagement
Language access remains a significant barrier for many AA & NHPI individuals, with 27.9% of Asian Americans and 11.8% of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders categorized as limited English proficient. The administration has worked to expand language access by translating essential healthcare and government materials into multiple languages. For example, the “Medicare & You” handbook is now available in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese, helping more AA & NHPI seniors navigate the healthcare system.
Additionally, the administration’s efforts to promote civic engagement among AA & NHPI communities have been commendable. Through the WHIAANHPI’s Regional Network and public outreach initiatives, the administration has fostered stronger connections between the federal government and AA & NHPI communities, encouraging greater participation in the political process.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Equity and Opportunity
The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to advance equity for AA & NHPI communities are unparalleled. Whether closing the health insurance gap, improving access to behavioral healthcare, or empowering small businesses, the administration’s policies have made a lasting impact on millions of lives. The September 2024 AA & NHPI Policy Summit was a powerful reminder of what is possible when government, community leaders, and policy experts come together with a shared vision of equity and justice. As we look to the future, the Biden-Harris administration’s legacy will be defined by its unwavering support for AA & NHPI communities, innovative policies, and dedication to ensuring that every American, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive.
Sudarshan Pyakurel is the Executive Director of the Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio, holding a Master’s degree in Social Work (MA-MSW).
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