FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2025
Contact: Marie Johnson
What Catholic Leaders are Saying About Congress' Proposed Medicaid Cuts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With Congress considering as much as $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid, Catholic leaders – including those from Catholic Health Association (CHA) member systems across the country – are speaking out against the detrimental cuts that will jeopardize essential health access for millions of Americans, particularly in underserved areas:
"Our health care system should be accessible to all, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Congress has a pivotal opportunity to advance policies that protect Medicaid, guarantee affordable coverage, protect essential safety net programs, strengthen rural hospitals and support long-term care services.
"We urge lawmakers to champion policies rooted in compassion and dignity—because when we protect our most vulnerable, we create a healthier, stronger society for everyone."
- Sr. Mary Haddad, RSM, CHA President and CEO
"Weakening Medicaid through structural changes, such as per capita caps or block grants, would undermine these values and risk leaving millions without access to essential health services…we urge you to prioritize those most in need and working families and protect the Medicaid program."
- Joint letter to Congress from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities USA, and the Catholic Health Association of the United States
"Healthcare for all, especially the most vulnerable is one of our enduring concerns. The Sisters of Mercy have a legacy of advocacy for health care as a right, as well as providing care to generations of people."
- Sr. Patricia McDermott, President, Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
"As U.S. lawmakers debate critical policy issues, Providence agrees there are important savings to be found in the health care sector. That's why we're actively advocating for – and doing our part to build – a sustainable health care system, one that everyone can access and afford.
"But slashing Medicaid, as some leaders are proposing, is not the answer. In fact, we believe strongly that doing so would have dire consequences that would put the nation's health at risk. As people lose access to coverage, care will be delayed, access to vital services will be restricted and costs will rise. This will disproportionately affect patients in rural areas."
-Erik Wexler, President & CEO, Providence
"As a Catholic health provider and member of the Catholic Health Association of the United States, we urge Congress to protect Medicaid. Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of people. Proposed cuts would limit access to care and place even greater strain on nonprofit hospitals like Ascension, which already care for many patients with little or no reimbursement. We care for everyone who comes through our doors. We're asking lawmakers to do the same by preserving access to affordable care."
- Eduardo Conrado, President, Ascension
"The human toll of these cuts would be unconscionable and the economic impact devastating…States would be forced to dramatically scale back their Medicaid programs, hurting enrollees and impacting practically every hospital across the country, including those HSHS operates. Medicaid accounts for 24% of inpatient admissions in Illinois hospitals, while the program makes up 14.5% of total gross patient revenue in Wisconsin hospitals."
- Damond Boatwright, President and CEO, Hospital Sisters Health System
"[Medicaid] ensures people aren't left behind when they need care most. We see its impact every day, supporting families in underserved communities, children who need specialists, and older adults managing complex conditions, often all under one roof.
"I stand with Ascension and the Catholic Health Association of the United States in urging policymakers to protect and strengthen Medicaid. The health of our communities depends on it."
- Andy Davis, President and CEO, Ascension Texas
"The direct and indirect economic impact of these policy ideas would be significant on each of those communities, whether it's the direct jobs that could be lost or the indirect impact from lack of investment, construction, tax base."
- Ryan Cross, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System
"We join The Catholic Health Association of the United States in advocating against cuts to Medicaid, which is a critically important lifeline for the communities we serve."
- Saint Alphonsus Health System
"Medicaid is more than a health program—it's a lifeline.
"With policymakers considering cuts to Medicaid, we must stand together to protect the health and dignity of millions who depend on it. Watch this video from The Catholic Health Association of the United States to see why Medicaid matters and how it transforms lives."
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