Medical Professionals, Health Plans and Business Leaders Issue Statement Regarding Cost Sharing Reduction Payments for Health Care Consumers

Managed Care Weekly Digest

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Managed Care Weekly Digest -- America's Health Insurance Plans, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Benefits Council, American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Federation of American Hospitals, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce together issued the following statement in response to recent remarks made by Congressional leaders and the Administration on cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments, which go for the direct benefit of health care consumers (see also America’s Health Insurance Plans).

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"Cost-sharing reductions are used solely to help those who need it most-low- and moderate-income consumers. These funds, which are built into their benefits, reduce their out of pocket costs such as copayments and deductibles when they receive care. Without these funds, consumers' access to care is jeopardized, their premiums will increase dramatically, and they will be left with even fewer coverage options.

"Funding this critical financial assistance for at least two years is the only way to protect these consumers. Clarity and commitment to this funding is needed to eliminate confusion and anxiety for consumers, and to allow health plans to make timely and appropriate decisions about market participation in 2018.

"As medical professionals, insurers providing healthcare services and coverage to hundreds of millions of Americans, and business leaders concerned with maintaining a stable health insurance marketplace for consumers, we believe it is imperative that the Administration and Congress fund the cost-sharing reduction program. We will continue to work with lawmakers and the Administration so Americans can access the affordable coverage and high-quality care they deserve." View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170427006788/en/