news
Lee Che P. Leong, Senior Policy Advocate at Northwest Health Law Advocates (NoHLA), Recognized with ACAP Leadership In Advocacy Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 11, 2025
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Samantha Anderson, (202) 420-7424, sanderson@communityplans.net
LEE CHE P. LEONG, SENIOR POLICY ADVOCATE AT NORTHWEST HEALTH LAW ADVOCATES (NOHLA), RECOGNIZED WITH ACAP LEADERSHIP IN ADVOCACY AWARD
WASHINGTON—The Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) today named Lee Che P. Leong, Senior Policy Advocate at Northwest Health Law Advocates (NoHLA), as the winner of its thirteenth annual Leadership in Advocacy award. Ms. Leong was nominated by Seattle-based Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW).The Leadership in Advocacy award recognizes individuals whose efforts, on behalf of enrollees in Medicaid, Medicare Duals programs, CHIP, the individual Marketplaces, and other safety net programs clearly exceed the norm and whose actions, in partnership with an ACAP plan, have positively affected the lives of the people they serve.
As an advocate for immigrant health, Ms. Leong successfully led efforts with allies in Washington state to provide Medicaid equivalent coverage to undocumented people with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). These efforts came to fruition in 2023 with the creation of the Apple Health Expansion (AHE) program. Launched in July 2024, this program offers health coverage to nearly 12,000 individuals, who were previously unable to access health care coverage.
Additionally, Ms. Leong and NoHLA collaborated with the state Legislature, Health Benefit Exchange, and other stakeholders to secure a State Innovation Waiver. This waiver allows all individuals in Washington State, regardless of immigration status, to shop for health coverage through the Health Benefit Exchange. As a result, undocumented immigrants earning up to 250 percent of the FPL can receive state-funded premium subsidies when purchasing coverage on the Exchange. This change ensures that subsidies are distributed more equitably, providing financial assistance to people who do not qualify for federal tax credits.
“Ms. Leong’s work on behalf of immigrants has empowered community organizations across the state to engage in immigrant health advocacy with a unified message,” said Leanne Berge, Chief Executive Officer of Community Health Plan of Washington. “She and NoHLA have coordinated outreach efforts to state agencies, the governor’s office, and legislators that have had real results for our immigrant communities. CHPW is deeply grateful for our continuing partnership to advance healthcare for some of the state’s most vulnerable members.”
“Ms. Leong’s commitment to expanding health coverage to undocumented people is already having a positive effect on the lives of thousands of Washingtonians,” added ACAP CEO Margaret A. Murray. “Her tremendous advocacy and outstanding efforts are why she’s earned this year’s Leadership in Advocacy award.”
Ms. Leong is also active in the Health Equity for Immigrants Campaign, helping draft immigrant health bills and advocating for funding through the state budget. She also continues to advocate for programs that ease the burden on immigrant communities through efforts to lift the 5-year bar for legal permanent residents and adding long term care to immigrant health coverage.
About ACAP:
ACAP represents 84 health plans, which collectively provide health coverage to more than 30 million people. Safety Net Health Plans serve their members through Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Marketplace and other publicly-sponsored health programs. For more information, visit communityplans.net.
About CHPW:
Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW) was founded more than 30 years ago by community health centers (CHCs) on the frontlines of serving low-income and underserved populations, and people from minoritized communities. Today, the 21 CHCs operating approximately 200 clinics across Washington, are the governing body for CHPW and serve as the foundation for the plan’s primary care network. Together, we advance whole-person care and health equity for the communities we serve. CHPW has more than 300,000 members in Medicaid (Apple Health), Medicare Advantage, and Individual & Family Plans, and more than 700 employees. It is the only Washington Medicaid health plan headquartered in Washington State, and our local staff provide care and resources grounded in the communities we serve.
About NoHLA:
Northwest Health Law Advocates (NoHLA) has worked for 25 years to create a health care system that works for everyone in Washington state. At the heart of our work is the belief that every individual has the right to quality, affordable health care. To fulfill our mission, NoHLA works to eliminate barriers and unfair practices that keep people from getting needed care
# # #