Rep. Scott Peters Holds Two Affordable Care Act Workshops

SAN DIEGO, CA – Today, Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) and members of his staff joined with Operation Samahan to provide members of the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities with information on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Late last month, Congressman Peters partnered with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce to host an event for small business owners; he brought representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA) in to answer questions about the law’s implementation and to hear concerns. 

“I was not in Congress when the ACA was enacted and I think there are still pieces that need fixing,” said Peters. “We still have more work to do towards affordability, but it is now the law of the land and the exchanges open in California on October 1st.  I want to be a resource to the business owners and individuals that have questions, and to help them learn about what is available to them.”

Peters explained at last month’s event that while small businesses are not required to provide health insurance to their employees, the ACA will give them more options to do so if they choose.  He said these events will help continue the dialogue on how to improve the ACA, while also helping to get out the facts.

While today’s event focused on aspects of the ACA that particularly impact the API community, future events are in the works with the Poway Chamber of Commerce, Planned Parenthood, and senior centers around the 52nd district.

"The ACA health exchange is an innovative way of helping millions of uninsured Californians access affordable health plans," said Joel H. San Juan, Operation Samahan CEO.  "We are very honored to work with Congressman Peters in educating our communities, particularly the underserved Asians and Pacific Islanders, about Covered California, the state's one-stop-shop market place. Through this culturally competent outreach effort, we aim to explain to many of our patients the benefits of the exchange and more important, assist them with accessing this valuable resource." 

Operation Samahan is a local non-profit that promotes better health and living conditions for members of the community including low-income and underserved families. The group offers health promotion and education work as well as primary care services.

More information for individuals about the ACA can be found here and small business owner specific information from the SBA can be seen here.

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