WASHINGTON – Following is the statement of Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO of the American Psychological Association, in response to the ruling by a federal judge in Texas declaring the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional:
“The American Psychological Association is very concerned for the millions of Americans who receive health care, including mental health and substance use coverage, because of the Affordable Care Act. As our nation is in the midst of an opioid crisis, this coverage is especially needed. We should be expanding access to health insurance, including behavioral health services, rather than stripping coverage from Americans in need. APA urges swift review of this decision and a congressional response to protect the health care of millions of Americans, particularly those with pre-existing conditions.”
The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes nearly 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.