SAPHA Statement on H.R.1

The South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA) is dedicated to promoting health equity for South Asians in the United States and the communities they reside in. As a public health organization, we recognize that administrative actions and federal legislation can have deep and lasting effects on the health and well-being of South Asian communities here in the U.S. As such, we condemn the passage of US HR 1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”. In light of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history ending, one that threatened access to SNAP, forced federal workers to go without pay, and shut down critical federal agencies, it is all the more important that we continue to fight for the funding of pivotal governmental assistance programs that immensely contribute to the health and well-being of all Americans.

Signed into law on July 4th, 2025, HR 1 will have a largely adverse impact on communities of color, including South Asian communities, whose healthcare, insurance, and access to benefit programs will be impacted. HR 1 contains major funding cuts to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), establishes complicated work and eligibility requirements, and makes it more difficult for lawfully residing immigrants, such as asylum seekers and refugees, to access coverage. Some of these changes have already gone into effect, such as eliminating the enforcement of certain rules that facilitate Medicaid enrollment, while others, such as Medicaid expansion incentives, are set to end at the beginning of 2026.

Samira Khan, SAPHA President, released the following statement: “As HR 1 moves through its implementation phase, we are beginning to see its consequences. South Asian families are bracing for rising premiums, reduced coverage options, and new barriers to care at a time when our community already faces a high burden of chronic disease. These changes will make preventive care and chronic disease management even more difficult, threatening long-term public health. In this moment, SAPHA is committed to providing clear, accessible information and partnering with healthcare and community organizations to help families understand their options and stay connected to care. We will continue advocating for policies that protect coverage and keep our communities healthy.”

Beyond this, given recent administrative and federal agency actions on immigration, fear and misinformation are spreading in the communities, causing many to disenroll or avoid healthcare and having their mental and physical well-being threatened.

An estimated 1.1 million Asian Americans stand to lose insurance coverage as a result of this bill (the precise number of South Asians is unknown due to a lack of disaggregated data). Many South Asians vary in immigration status, and especially those who come on work or student visas may now be burdened with higher costs due to stricter fees and requirements. Additionally, many South Asians may be asylum seekers or refugees, as in FY 2023, India was one of the fifth-largest countries of origin for asylum seekers. Further, “Near East/South Asia” was the second largest region of origin for refugees in FY 2023. 

Given the 4.6 million Asian Americans, including South Asians, who rely on Medicaid, HR 1 will undeniably have a significant impact on, not only healthcare access and coverage, but the health of South Asian communities. Many South Asians already suffer from a higher incidence of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The loss of access to care will be detrimental for managing and treating these conditions. 

At SAPHA, we remain committed to advocating for just and equitable health outcomes for the South Asian American community and believe that health care coverage and access are a human right. We call on Congress to unwind harmful health provisions that stand as coverage barriers. We will continue to support community members, healthcare providers, and public health professionals by sharing resources to help navigate an increasingly complex landscape to access healthcare

For more information on relevant timelines and further details, please refer to the toolkits available at Protecting Immigrant Families and the National Immigration Law Center.