AMA statement on CSR payments

Statement attributed to:
David O. Barbe, M.D., President, American Medical Association

“The AMA is deeply discouraged by the Administration’s decision last night to end the cost sharing reduction (CSR) payments to insurers, which are used to reduce deductibles and co-payments for low-income enrollees in the marketplace plans created under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Republicans and Democrats alike have expressed concern about the affordability of health care coverage under the ACA, and bipartisan efforts have been underway in Congress to provide the specific authorization and funding for CSR payments to address the legal issues involved. This most recent action by the Administration creates still more uncertainty in the ACA marketplace just as the abbreviated open enrollment period is about to begin, further undermining the law and threatening access to meaningful health insurance coverage for millions of Americans. Our patients will ultimately pay the price. We urge Congress to accelerate its efforts to reinstate these payments before further damage is done.”