WASHINGTON, DC (October 13, 2017): The Council for Affordable Health Coverage (CAHC) – a coalition of employers, insurers, brokers, agents, patient groups, and physician organizations – released the following statement today on the Trump Administration’s decision to halt cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments to insurers under the Affordable Care Act:
“The Council for Affordable Health Coverage has leveled frequent criticisms against the ACA, but we have also consistently acknowledged that millions rely on coverage in the current market and should not have the rug pulled out from underneath them. If the Trump Administration ends critical cost-sharing reduction payments, it is imperative that Congress acts immediately to fund this lifeline for vulnerable Americans. To do otherwise would put coverage at risk for millions and would only compound the uncertainty that permeates the health care marketplace today,” said CAHC President Joel White. “Congress and the administration have every right to continue their efforts on health care, but they must act responsibly; ensuring that, when all is said and done, there is an individual market left to reform. This means working in a bipartisan fashion to provide Congressional authorization for CSR payments until such time as Congress can deliver a more workable, market-based alternative. We further support the ongoing efforts of the Senate HELP Committee to deliver greater flexibility to states through the ACA’s 1332 waiver program. The shortcomings of Obamacare must be met with solutions instead of sabotage and we look forward to working with policymakers to deliver exactly that.”
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Background:
The Council for Affordable Health Coverage (CAHC) is a broad-based alliance with a primary focus: bringing down the cost of health care for all Americans. CAHC promotes policies that lower health costs through increased competition, informed consumers and more choices to help promote access to affordable coverage. Learn more at CAHC.net.