Families USA and 100 Consumer, Patient, and Provider Groups Call on Congressional Leadership for Swift Action to Stabilize Insurance Markets - Families Usa Skip to Main Content
09.05.2017 / Press Release

Families USA and 100 Consumer, Patient, and Provider Groups Call on Congressional Leadership for Swift Action to Stabilize Insurance Markets

Washington, D.C. – Families USA and nearly 100 consumer, patient, and provider groups signed a letter to House and Senate Leadership asking for “swift” bipartisan action to stabilize the health insurance markets and improve health care for consumers.

“Quick, bipartisan action is critical.  It’s time for both parties to work together to stabilize the insurance markets so health coverage and care remain available and affordable for America’s families,” said Craig Obey, deputy executive director of Families USA.

The letter is addressed to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Paul Ryan, and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and asks for action on three items:

  • Guarantee funding for the cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) that provide critical financial protection for nearly 6 million people who obtain private coverage on health insurance marketplaces. If CSRs end, premiums would rise by an estimated 19 percent, and reduced plan participation could leave many consumers without any coverage options.
  • Restore the premium stabilization programs that shield individual insurance markets from the volatility of high-cost claims. The potential impact of such a program is illustrated by the 10 to 14 percent drop in premiums that resulted from transitional reinsurance under the Affordable Care Act.
  • Ensure continued funding for outreach and enrollment assistance by adequately funding federal Navigators and outreach,culturally and linguistically appropriate education, and marketing activities through the Department of Health and Human Services. This funding, which was cut last week by the Trump administration, helps consumers – particularly young and healthy people who will help balance the risk pool – learn about and enroll into available coverage.