Catholic Health Systems Unite Against Proposed Senate Medicaid Cuts

Updated June 18, 2025
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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.