For Immediate Release 
Feb. 10, 2020 
Contact: Brian Reardon 

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

WASHINGTON, DC – The Catholic Health Association is deeply disappointed with the Administration's FY2021 budget proposal. The proposal seeks billions of dollars in cuts to programs that Americans who are poor and vulnerable rely on, including Medicaid and nutrition assistance. The proposal also seeks to reduce funding for health care programs under the Department of Health and Human Services, breaking the budget agreement the Administration and Congress reached last year. Similar cuts are proposed for other vital programs that affect the health and well-being of millions, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

CHA believes that our nation's spending priorities should reflect our moral commitment to assisting the least among us. For the millions of Americans who rely on Medicaid and other health care programs, as well as housing and nutrition programs that promote healthier lives, cuts to these programs will have devastating consequences. Adding burdensome new restrictions on these programs such as work requirements in the Medicaid program will further restrict access to affordable health care. While we do commend the Administration's proposal to expand the mental health services available under Medicaid, that effort would only be negated by the budget's cuts and other harmful program requirements.

We can and must be better stewards of our nation's resources. CHA pledges to work with members of Congress as they begin the appropriations process to advocate a budget that meets the needs of everyone in our nation and assists all Americans in leading better, healthier lives. 

» Download a PDF version of the statement 

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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.
• Learn more at www.chausa.org.