CATHOLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES

House and Senate Budget Resolution & Reconciliation" urged Congress to protect the Medicaid program from devasting cuts and program changes and other safety net programs, the extension of the premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, support for technologies and programs assisting rural providers and their communities, revisiting the minimum staff requirement for long-term care facilities, and protecting the role and tax-exempt status of non-profit health care. Urged Congress and administration officials to address the ministry's advocacy priorities around protecting safety net programs, ensuring coverage for all, improving the health of communities, and strengthening aging and chronic care services. (S.335) - The Rural Hospital Support Act - Expressed support for the Rural Hospital Support Act. This legislation would provide assistance to rural hospitals through the Medicare program, including making the Medicare-dependent Hospital Program permanent.

(H.R. 529) - The Protecting Sensitive Locations Act - Expressed support for the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act. This legislation would codify the previous and longstanding guidance into law, prohibiting immigration enforcement actions by officers or agents at or within 1,000 feet of healthcare facilities such as hospitals, community health centers, and accredited health clinics. The protections in the bill also would extend to educational and social service facilities as well as places of worship, among others.

Expressed opposition to House Concurrent Budget Resolution 14 for FY25 through FY34. This budget resolution would severely impact critical health and social safety-net programs, especially the Medicaid program, which is often the primary source of health coverage for patients and the communities we serve. Urged Congress to protect health care programs in the FY2025 budget.

(S. 3702/H.R. 7165) The Credit for Caring Act - Expressed support for the Credit Caring Act. The legislation would create a new, non-refundable federal tax credit for eligible working family caregivers to help address the financial challenges of caregiving.