Catholic Hospitals Fight Medicaid Cuts | Becker’s Hospital Review
Catholic Health Systems Unite Against Proposed Senate Medicaid Cuts
Updated June 18, 2025
Executives from leading Catholic health systems are joining forces to oppose proposed Medicaid cuts by Senate Republicans. CommonSpirit Health, SSM Health, Avera Health, Christus Health, and Covenant Health are among those warning that the legislation would destabilize hospital finances, limit access to vital services, and endanger care for millions of Americans.
These systems collectively operate hundreds of hospitals and clinics, serving millions of patients annually, including a significant number enrolled in Medicaid. During a recent media briefing hosted by the catholic Health Association of the United states, executives described the Senate Finance Committee’s budget draft as potentially more damaging than the House version passed in May.
Sister Mary Haddad, president and CEO of the catholic Health Association, called the Senate proposal “unconscionable,” citing proposed limits on provider taxes, state payments, retroactive coverage, expanded work requirements, and reduced support for immigrant populations. The CHA estimates the legislation could cause more than 10 million people to lose coverage and criticized the bill’s failure to extend ACA premium tax credits set to expire in 2025.
Wright Lassiter III, CEO of CommonSpirit Health, cautioned that the cuts would hinder hospitals’ financial recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that CommonSpirit, which operates 157 hospitals and more than 2,500 care sites in 24 states, delivers care through nearly 6.5 million Medicaid encounters each year. Lassiter also expressed concern about the impact on critical access hospitals, which serve a high proportion of Medicaid patients.
Laura Kaiser, President and CEO of SSM Health, emphasized the human impact of the legislation, sharing the story of a Medicaid patient who achieved stability through consistent care. SSM Health serves patients in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin, were a majority of those served are covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Kaiser highlighted the disproportionate impact on rural communities, where Medicaid is frequently enough the primary payer.
Gabriela Saenz, Senior vice President at Christus Health, which serves communities across Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico, said more than 60% of the system’s patients rely on government programs such as Medicaid.She warned that the proposed cuts would devastate the infrastructure that enables christus to serve vulnerable communities.
Shantel Krebs, regional president and CEO of Avera St. Mary’s hospital in Pierre, S.D., said the legislation would be especially harmful for rural and Indigenous populations across Avera’s service area. She noted that Medicaid supports more than 50% of residents in Avera’s long-term care facilities.
Bradford Coffey, senior vice president and president of the Covenant Health Foundation, underscored the ethical dimensions of the legislation’s impact. Covenant Health operates hospitals in Maine and New Hampshire, states with aging populations and severe provider shortages. He said the proposed cuts would be devastating to their hospitals and the people they serve.
As the July 4 legislative deadline approaches, these Catholic health system leaders are urging Congress to reject the Senate proposal and protect the health of vulnerable communities.
What’s next
The Catholic health systems will continue to advocate against the proposed Medicaid cuts,engaging with lawmakers and stakeholders to highlight the potential consequences for patients and communities. They are urging Congress to consider option solutions that prioritize access to affordable healthcare for all.