Catholic Health Association's Statement on the Bipartisan FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2026
Contact: Marie Johnson

WASHINGTON, DC - The Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA) President and CEO Sr. Mary Haddad, RSM, issued the following statement on the Senate passage of the appropriations bill.

"This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward making sure people can get the care they need when they need it. By strengthening Medicaid and Medicare, supporting mothers and children, expanding access to behavioral health care, and investing in rural communities, Congress is helping protect access to health care for patients and families across the country-especially those facing the greatest challenges. Ensuring stable Medicaid and Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) funding and extending telehealth flexibilities are also essential to sustaining care for low-income and underserved populations and preserving access to vital services in both urban and rural communities.

The bill also supports the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who care for our communities every day. Investing in the health care workforce, public health preparedness, and services for older adults helps hospitals and health systems continue providing high-quality, compassionate care close to home.

We welcome bipartisan efforts to address concerns related to the Department of Homeland Security. We hope lawmakers will agree to restore protected status for anyone seeking medical care and will adopt safeguards around immigration enforcement that respect the life and inherent dignity of all people in our communities. The Catholic Health Association remains committed to working with policymakers to strengthen access to care, support caregivers, and uphold the dignity and well-being of every person and every community."

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.