CHA - Catholic Health Association of the United States
11/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/20/2024 13:12
Catholic Health Association Joins Coalition Committed to Protecting Access to Affordable Care in the Individual Health Insurance Marketplace
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2024
Contact: Brian Reardon
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, as part of a longstanding commitment to advocating for policies that strengthen our nation's health safety net, the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA) announced it will join the steering committee of Keep Americans Covered, a broad-based, nonpartisan coalition working to extend enhanced premium tax credits (PTCs). These tax credits, which help make health insurance affordable for more than 20 million individuals and families, are set to expire at the end of 2025, putting millions of patients at risk of losing coverage or facing increased costs.
"Enhanced premium tax credits play a critical role in helping millions of Americans and their families in accessing health care coverage, reducing barriers to care, and improving health outcomes in our communities," said CHA President and CEO Sr. Mary Haddad, RSM. "Approximately four million Americans could lose their coverage, and many more would face substantial increases to their health care premiums if this critical component of the health care safety net is not reauthorized by Congress.
"Public policy solutions that strengthen the health safety net are vital to supporting Catholic health care's mission-driven work of caring for the most vulnerable in hundreds of communities served by our members across the nation. CHA is proud to join the broad-based membership of Keep Americans Covered that demonstrates the health care community speaks with a unified voice in asking Congress to extend these critical tax credits that have helped millions of individuals and families access the quality care they need and deserve," added Sr. Haddad.
Since their enactment in 2021, the enhanced tax credits have reduced uninsured rates, saved families an average of $700 annually, and ensured broader access to preventive and life-saving care. However, without an extension, individuals and small businesses participating in the marketplace could see premiums rise by 25% or more, creating financial strain and uncertainty.
CHA joins a diverse coalition of organizations-including healthcare providers, patient advocates, and community leaders-committed to preserving affordable coverage. Members of the Keep Americans Covered coalition include AARP, American Cancer Society-Cancer Action Network, UnidosUS, and the National Rural Health Association, among others. Together, the coalition will ensure Congress prioritizes the health and well-being of millions of Americans.
For more information about the Keep Americans Covered coalition, visit AmericansCovered.org.
To read more about CHA's commitment to ensuring a strong health safety net, click HERE.
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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.