Five Leading Advocacy Organizations Condemn Medicaid Cuts, Urge Senate to Safeguard Access to Mental Health Care and Substance Use Treatment

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to strip millions of Americans of their health insurance amid an ongoing national mental health emergency. At a time when anxiety, depression, addiction, and suicide rates are too high, this action will deal a catastrophic blow to the people who need help the most.

Medicaid is the backbone of mental health care in America. It funds a quarter of all mental health services and nearly 40% of all substance use treatment. For millions of children, veterans, young adults, and people in recovery, Medicaid is the difference between receiving essential care and falling through the cracks.

It's no secret that Americans are hurting. One in five adults experiences a mental illness each year. Emergency rooms are overwhelmed, crisis lines are flooded, and families across the country are desperate for support. The foundation of any response to this emergency must begin with access to care – cutting Medicaid does the opposite.

Nearly every family is affected by mental health and substance use disorders – Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike will be hurt by the devastating effects of this decision.

We call upon the Senate to address the harm caused by this bill. Medicaid is mental health care and we need Congress to protect it.