Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said : "Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane." Dr. King worked tirelessly to create a just and equitable nation. And today, as we honor his legacy, we reflect on our own response to his call for justice.

Despite the progress we have made, we know that underserved communities may not have equal access to health care - or similar health care outcomes. Low-income Americans, racial and ethnic minorities, and other underserved populations often have higher rates of disease, fewer treatment options, and reduced access to care and coverage.

Here at the Department of Health and Human Services, we are constantly working towards a healthier America: committed to ensuring that all Americans achieve health equity by eliminating disparities and doing what we can to improve the health of all communities.

The Affordable Care Act will help reduce health disparities by expanding health coverage to 34 million Americans, preventing the worst insurance company abuses, and bringing new funding to community health centers, an important safety net for vulnerable populations.

Together, the HHS Strategic Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities and the Affordable Care Act will guide us in our efforts to improve access to quality care and reduce health disparities. We can and will do more to ensure justice in healthcare and improve the lives of millions of Americans.