ABHW Responds to the Trump Administration’s Executive Order on Substance Use Disorders

Washington, D.C. – January 30, 2026 – The Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW), which represents health plans providing behavioral health coverage for 200 million people, highlights that the Trump Administration’s executive order creating the Great American Recovery Initiative is a timely reminder that, despite years of discussion and some progress, America’s mental health and substance use disorder crisis is far from over. Overdose deaths, suicide, and untreated mental illness continue to devastate families and communities across the country.

Health plans have been strengthening access to evidence-based treatment, including medication-assisted treatment, tele-behavioral health, integrated care models, and payment approaches that reward recovery and real outcomes, not just volume of services.

“Too many people assume this crisis is behind us. It isn’t. It may not receive the attention it once did, but this is a battle for health and wellbeing that is not yet won,” said Debbie Witchey, ABHW President and CEO. “Health plans are focused on delivering care that actually works, and we welcome the opportunity to partner with the Administration to ensure high-quality, evidence-based treatment reaches the people who need it most.”

ABHW applauds the Administration’s focus on these issues and remains committed to ensuring that policies support access to high-quality, evidence-based care and deliver real results for individuals, families, and communities.

ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
ABHW is the leading health plan association working to improve access and quality of care for mental health and substance use disorders. ABHW’s members include national and regional health plans that care for 200 million people. Together, we work to reduce stigma and advance federal policy on mental health and substance use disorder care. ABHW member companies – Aetna, a CVS Health Company; CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield; Carelon Behavioral Health, an Elevance Health Company; Centene Corporation; Evernorth; Kaiser Permanente; Lucet; Magellan Health; Molina Healthcare; Optum; and PerformCare, a subsidiary of AmeriHealth Caritas. To learn more, visit www.abhw.org and follow us on BlueSky, LinkedIn, and X.