Council for Behavioral Health Comments on Trump Ending Health Insurance Subsidies

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The National Council for Behavioral Health issued the following statement on the Trump administration ending health insurance subsidies:

"The National Council for Behavioral Health does not support the Administration's decision to halt subsidies to health plans that help pay for coverage of low-income individuals. This move will prevent access to care for millions of Americans, including many living with mental illness and addictions.

"In August, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that if cost-sharing reduction subsidies ended there would be a 20 percent increase in health insurance premiums for low-income individuals who purchase insurance through an exchange. This is an increase these individuals cannot afford.

"Ending the government's cost-sharing subsidies moves us further away from a health care system where all Americans can access the care they need, when they need it. It will not only lead to market destabilization, but will increased costs for the most vulnerable individuals and families who can least afford them.

"We call on Congress to take immediate action to reinstate these payments so that as many Americans as possible have options for affordable, comprehensive coverage."