Washington, D.C., — The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is very disappointed by the U.S. Senate’s passage of H.R. 1, which would significantly cut Medicaid funding. If the House passes this bill, knowing that Medicaid is the largest payer of mental health and substance use disorder services, it will have irreversible repercussions for patients and their families.

“This is a huge blow for access to health care in America,” said APA President Theresa Miskimen Rivera, M.D. “In very real terms, this legislation will result in irreparable gaps in access to care for our country’s most vulnerable, many of whom have mental health and substance use disorders, and they will suffer as a result.”

“The country is already facing a mental health and substance use disorder crisis. We cannot afford to have patients lose access to vital Medicaid services,” said APA CEO and Medical Director Marketa M. Wills, M.D., M.B.A. “We urge the House of Representatives to vote against this legislation. Despite this major setback, APA will continue to work for progress on behalf of psychiatrists and the patients they serve.”

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 39,200 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.