News
ASAM Statement on Reconciliation Bill's Weakening of Health Care Coverage
ASAM focused on mitigating harms from the bill and working with policymakers to ensure sound protections for Americans with addiction
Rockville, MD (July 3, 2025) - Following Congress’ passage of the reconciliation bill, Stephen M. Taylor, MD, MPH, DFAPA, DFASAM, president of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), issued the following statement:
"ASAM is deeply disappointed by provisions in Congress’ reconciliation bill that will weaken access to the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace and Medicaid coverage – which connect millions of hardworking Americans with substance use disorders (SUD), their families, and their communities to vital medical care.
Though we appreciate that people with SUD are exempt from onerous work requirements and SUD services are exempt from cost-sharing mandates in Medicaid, such protections are meaningless if they are not implemented in an expansive and generous manner.
The addiction medicine community is prepared to work with policymakers to ensure implementation of these exemptions facilitates access to care. Our country cannot afford to allow burdensome administrative requirements, or a lack of necessary medical coverage to block paths to remission and recovery for Americans with SUD.”
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About the American Society of Addiction Medicine
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), founded in 1954, is a professional medical society representing over 8,000 physicians, clinicians, and associated professionals in the field of addiction medicine. ASAM is dedicated to increasing access and improving the quality of addiction treatment, educating physicians and the public, supporting research and prevention, and promoting the appropriate role of physicians in the care of patients with addiction. For more information, visit www.ASAM.org.
Media Contact
Sarah Shelson
301-547-4110
sshelson@ASAM.org