NAMI Applauds President Biden’s Efforts to Strengthen Access to Quality, Affordable Health Care

Posted on January 28, 2021

Arlington, VA — The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) applauds President Biden’s Executive Order today that will reverse harmful policies that have undermined efforts to promote health care access for millions of people living with mental illness. Specifically, today’s Executive Order will open a Special Enrollment Period for Americans to sign up for health coverage and roll back attacks on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid.

“NAMI is grateful for the vitally important action President Biden has taken to reverse barriers to care and increase access for everyone in need,” said Daniel H. Gillison Jr., CEO of NAMI. “We know that with access to affordable and comprehensive health care, recovery is possible. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction and will have a positive impact on people experiencing mental health conditions.”

Access to coverage and care is essential for people to successfully manage their mental health condition and get on a path of recovery. Opening a special ACA enrollment period will allow millions of people who are uninsured the opportunity to enroll in high-quality health insurance coverage. This includes many who have mental health conditions or are experiencing mental health symptoms for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, economic hardships or racial injustice.  

We are hopeful that the Executive Order will result in rapidly reversing policies that undermine the ability of people with mental health conditions to access needed health care through Medicaid.  Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of people with mental illness, but recent policies such as work requirements have jeopardized access. 

NAMI looks forward to working with President Biden and his administration to find solutions that help to cover everyone and have access to the mental health support they need.