FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     
Nov. 21, 2021

Contact: Brian Reardon

Statement by Sr. Mary Haddad, RSM, President and Chief Executive Officer
Catholic Health Association of the United States

WASHINGTON, DC – “We welcome the House of Representatives’ passage of the Build Back Better reconciliation act which would make historic investments in supporting vulnerable communities and families and close the coverage gap for low-income Americans in states that have not expanded Medicaid. We are encouraged that the bill will support low-income and working families by extending the ACA affordability subsidies and making significant investments in the social safety net. We are also pleased that the legislation bolsters programs that advance health equity, supports pregnant mothers, protects the environment, cares for our elderly, and invests in children’s health.

“However, we urge the Senate to continue to improve the bill by addressing the proposed cuts in funding for the Medicaid disproportionate share hospital program serving low-income families in the Medicaid gap states and by continuing to strengthen the bill’s protections on life and human dignity.

“Catholic hospitals, health systems and long-term care facilities have long been at the forefront for providing quality and compassionate care for those in need and we look forward to working with the Senate to pass a bill which upholds human dignity and allows all American to live healthier lives”

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The Catholic Health Association of the United States is the national leadership organization of the Catholic health ministry, representing the largest nonprofit provider of health care services in the nation.

• 1 in 7 patients in the U.S. is cared for in a Catholic hospital each day.
• Catholic health care, which includes more than 2,200 hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, systems, sponsors, and related organizations, serves the full continuum of health care across our nation.