US Bishops Write to Dr. Oz with Concerns Over Medicaid Services' New Mandates Urging Compassion and Access to Care
A joint comment letter was submitted on July 31, 2026, by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Catholic Health Association (CHA), and Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) to Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the Interim Final Rule CMS-2454-IFC (Medicaid Program; Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals).
Background
The rule, issued by CMS following statutory changes under the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Law, mandates that non-pregnant adults aged 19–64 enrolled in Medicaid expansion groups demonstrate at least 80 hours per month of qualifying "community engagement" activities (such as employment, job training, education, or community service) to maintain their coverage, with state implementation required no later than January 1, 2027.
Core Concerns Expressed in the Letter
Loss of Essential Coverage: The organizations expressed "profound concern" that the strict compliance standards will lead to widespread coverage loss for low-income, eligible individuals who rely on Medicaid for healthcare and long-term self-sufficiency.
Risk to Medically Frail Beneficiaries: They warned that narrow exemption definitions will cause vulnerable and medically frail individuals to lose access to necessary medical treatment due to rigid criteria or paperwork hurdles.
Burdensome Verification & Red Tape: Complex reporting and documentation requirements create administrative barriers for both patients and healthcare providers.
Unrealistic Implementation Timeline: The rapid ramp-up toward the January 1, 2027 deadline imposes an unrealistic operational burden on states, health systems, and social service organizations.
Key Recommendations & Demands
Delay Implementation: Pause enforcement to allow states, health providers, and beneficiaries adequate time to adjust without abruptly losing coverage.
Broaden Exemptions & Hardships: Expand definitions for medical frailty and short-term hardship exceptions so that individuals facing temporary difficulties or health challenges remain protected.
Simplify Verification: Streamline procedures to minimize bureaucratic hurdles and prevent administrative dis-enrollments.
Enhance Outreach & Education: Ensure CMS and states adequately educate enrollees about the rules and exceptions prior to enforcing compliance.
Guiding Principle: The USCCB, CHA, and CCUSA urged CMS to center the final regulations around compassion, simplicity, and access to care, ensuring that safety-net protections remain accessible to those in need.
Source - https://www.usccb.org/resources/26-0803_USCCBCOM_CMS%202454%20IFC%20letter%20CHA%20CCUSA%20USCCB.pdf
Comments