Healthcare at the Coverage Cliff: Sr. Mary Haddad on Medicaid Cuts and ACA Subsidy Expiration

Sister Mary Haddad, President and CEO of the Catholic Health Association, returns to The Healthy Project as 2025 ends with a major coverage threat ahead.In July 2025, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act with major Medicaid changes that analysts warn will reduce access for millions. American Medical Association+1 At the same time, enhanced ACA premium tax credits are set to expire on December 31, 2025, which could raise premiums sharply and leave roughly 4 to 5 million more people uninsured in 2026 without an extension. KFF+2Thomson Reuters Tax+2Sister Mary explains what this means for working families, rural hospitals, emergency departments, and telehealth access. Many Medicare telehealth flexibilities are extended only through January 30, 2026, adding pressure for rural patients and health systems. telehealth.hhs.gov+1You will hear:How Medicaid cuts and expiring ACA subsidies collideWhy rural communities face higher riskWhat happens to EDs when coverage dropsWhy telehealth policy still feels temporaryWhat Congress must do nowHow you can take action beyond awarenessShow Notes 0:00 – Welcome and why this episode matters right now 2:10 – What changed with Medicaid in July 2025 American Medical Association+1 6:30 – The ACA subsidy deadline and what families are seeing in open enrollment KFF+1 11:20 – The size of the coverage risk for 2026 Thomson Reuters Tax+1 16:10 – Why rural markets and lower incomes create a sharper cliff 20:40 – Hospital strain, closures, and service reductions 25:15 – Emergency departments as the fallback system 29:50 – Telehealth lessons from COVID and what the January 30, 2026 deadline means telehealth.hhs.gov+1 34:10 – Healthcare as dignity and economic justice 38:25 – What Congress can do immediately 41:30 – What you can do as a citizen and advocate 45:00 – Closing and where to learn moreGuest Sister Mary Haddad, RSM President & CEO, Catholic Health Association of the United StatesResourcesCatholic Health Association: chausa.org Related Episode June 2025 – Medicaid at a Crossroads: A Conversation with Sr. Mary Haddad (Part 1)Call to action Follow The Healthy Project Podcast on Apple Podcasts. Share this episode with one person who cares about coverage, rural health, and health equity. ★ Support this podcast ★