Statement from AMCP CEO Susan A. Cantrell on House Passage of Legislation to Reshape Medicaid and Other Provisions

Alexandria, Va., May 22, 2025 – Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) issued the following statement from CEO Susan A. Cantrell, MHL, RPh, CAE, following passage of the budget reconciliation bill that includes large-scale changes to Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Grad PLUS loans, and other programs:

"Congress has more work to do to protect and serve American patients. In its current form, the legislation passed by the US House of Representatives will have a significant, negative impact on the Medicaid program and the tens of millions of Americans who receive coverage from this trusted program. Health coverage will be eroded further if Congress does not extend subsidy provisions under the ACA, which are set to expire at the end of this year.

“Provisions in this bill could also exacerbate a nationwide shortage of pharmacists. Specifically, the bill eliminates Grad PLUS loans and creates hard caps on student loans—changes that will hurt the many pharmacy students who rely on these programs to finance their professional education to launch their careers. Removing these misguided cuts will help ensure future generations of aspiring pharmacists have access to the educational loans that can help them reach their dream and serve their communities through this important profession.

“AMCP encourages the Senate to amend this bill to protect access to Medicaid and vital health insurance coverage under the ACA. Now is the time to ensure that the most underserved and vulnerable in our communities across the country still continue to have the health care they need.”

For media inquiries, contact AMCP.
 

About AMCP 

AMCP is the professional association leading the way to help patients get the medications they need at a cost they can afford. AMCP’s diverse membership of pharmacists, physicians, nurses, biopharmaceutical professionals, and other stakeholders leverage their specialized expertise in clinical evidence and economics to optimize medication benefit design and population health management and help patients access cost-effective and safe medications and other drug therapies. AMCP members improve the lives of nearly 300 million Americans served by private and public health plans, pharmacy benefit management firms, and emerging care models. Visit www.amcp.org.