CSRs Should Be Addressed Before Congressional Recess

WASHINGTON, July 27 -- The Bipartisan Policy Center issued the following news release:

Regardless of the outcome of this week's Senate health care debate, the Bipartisan Policy Center believes it is imperative to fund health insurance cost-sharing subsidy (CSR) payments before Congress leaves for August recess. If legislation passes the Senate and goes to conference, the timeframe for completion would far exceed the date required for CSR payments to stabilize the market and address high premiums for the plan year 2018.

"Consumers need a signal from the administration and Congress that they will not lose their health insurance in 2018," said BPC Senior Vice President Bill Hoagland. "The most urgent and effective action that must be taken immediately is to make a short-term (two-year) commitment to maintain funding to health insurance plans for waiving cost-sharing to low-income individuals enrolled in the marketplaces."

Over the past month, BPC's Future of Health Care leaders have stressed that bipartisan collaboration is essential for producing durable policy solutions for the most pressing problems in health care. They have also strongly urged Congress and the administration to take steps to stabilize the private individual health insurance market. Based on feedback from states, insurers, consumer groups, and actuaries, we have concluded that a clear signal must be sent by mid-August that payments will continue.