***For Immediate Release***
October 13, 2017
Contact, Jeff Sheldon
Nebraska Appleseed Communications Director
Office: (402) 438-8853
Mobile: (402) 840-7289
Email: jsheldon@neappleseed.org
Appleseed Statement on President’s decision to end Cost-Sharing Reductions
Unnecessary move will destabilize the Marketplace and endanger Nebraskans
LINCOLN — Last night, President Donald Trump announced the administration would end important payments to insurance companies that help make insurance more affordable for tens of thousands of Nebraskans. These payments, known as Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) help private insurance companies reduce out-of-pocket costs for millions of Americans who buy coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Nebraska Appleseed Deputy Health Care Director Molly McCleery issued this statement in response to the decision:
“This announcement is the latest in a series of actions the President has taken this week to weaken consumer protections that have improved the quality and affordability of health insurance for millions of Americans,” McCleery said. “Our country’s uninsured rate has dropped to an all-time low precisely because of tools like CSRs, which let health insurance companies make coverage more affordable for millions of people. The President’s decision will undermine the stability of the Marketplace, making it increasingly difficult for insurance companies to operate. As a result of the President’s actions this week, Nebraskans will likely see their health insurance become more expensive in the future and see a drop in the quality of their coverage.
“There are several clear solutions our lawmakers can take to stabilize the insurance market and help more Americans get the coverage everyone needs. Restoring these CSRs and making them permanent is the first step. Congress has chosen several times this year not to end the ACA, and it should now build on the progress of the law. We urge our lawmakers to work together to strengthen our health care system and make sure every Nebraskan can get the care they need.”
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