Joint Statement by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychological Association, Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action, Inseparable, The Kennedy Forum, Legal Action Center, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Alliance for Eating Disorders, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, National Council on Problem Gambling, and REDC

Today’s passage of H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” will have a devastating impact on America’s healthcare system, stripping health insurance from more than 17 million Americans by cutting Medicaid and driving up the cost of health plans for working families, forcing many to go without.

For millions of Americans, Medicaid is mental health. Medicaid is the backbone of the American medical system; it is the largest payer for mental health care and substance use treatment in the United States. These cuts will exacerbate America’s existing mental health crisis, by stripping people of health coverage, putting many rural hospitals over the brink, reducing the healthcare workforce, and further imperiling community mental health programs. The cuts will overwhelm emergency rooms, jails and prisons and exacerbate homelessness.

Every single American will feel the impact of these cuts. Every family knows someone or is directly affected by mental health challenges, and we know that mental health conditions are treatable with appropriate access to care. Without coverage, millions of Americans will not have the care they need to live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

Our organizations remain committed to protecting and expanding access to mental health and substance use disorder care. Our fight is not over, and we are united in our effort to ensure that every American has the care and coverage they need to thrive.