Community Catalyst

Four years after Dobbs overturned nearly 50 years of Roe v. Wade abortion access, some things have changed.

Some haven’t.

One thing remains clear: reproductive health care is *still* essential health care.

A major win for patients in Connecticut — and a promising model for the rest of the country.

New state regulations will help protect patients from predatory medical credit cards, which often carry high interest rates and confusing terms that can leave families with even more debt after receiving care. For the 66,000 people with deferred-interest medical credit card accounts in Connecticut, this is huge.

The state's new law creates important safeguards to prevent patients from being pressured into these financial products during vulnerable moments.

We are proud to work alongside advocates, impacted consumers, and State Representative Gary Turco to help advance these protections.

As federal consumer protections face increasing uncertainty, state action like this is more important than ever. Connecticut's success shows what's possible when policymakers put patients before profits.

Learn more:

After receiving a routine cortisone shot, one Connecticut patient was hit with a $924 facility fee she never expected.

As our director of policy, Colin Reusch told Connecticut Mirror, "People shouldn't be charged facility fees when they're not even entering the hospital." These charges can create confusion, medical debt, and barriers to care for patients who are simply seeking treatment.

No one should have to choose between their health and an unexpected bill.

CT tried to control hospital fees. Patients say they're still blindsided CT has some of the tightest restrictions on facility fees. Even so, revenue from the fees has grown, topping $2 billion in 2024 alone.

We are One Nation, Overcharged. Together, we're sending a clear message: healthcare should be a right — not a luxury.

If you agree we need a healthcare system that puts people first... welcome to the movement.

Sign up for the latest One Nation, Overcharged campaign updates and ways to get involved >> https://pulse.ly/xgkkpsqsx9

Hospitals are where people turn during some of life's most vulnerable moments. They should be places of healing, care, and trust — not fear.

But in states like Florida and Texas, policies requiring hospitals to ask patients about their immigration status are creating fear that discourages people from seeking care.

Research shows these policies don't reduce healthcare costs or uncover widespread overuse of services. Instead, they delay care, worsen health outcomes, increase costs over time, and deepen existing health inequities.

Check out our latest blog to learn more about how these policies are affecting patients, providers, and communities — and highlights the states that are choosing a different path by protecting patient privacy and healthcare access:
https://pulse.ly/fiqhnuq3dh

We also explore why changing the narrative around immigrant health is essential. For advocates, our "Changing the Narrative: A Messaging Guide for Immigrant Health Justice" provides tested messaging strategies rooted in dignity, care, fairness, and shared wellbeing.

Together, we can ensure hospitals remain places where everyone feels safe seeking care.

No matter your race, income, or where you live: everyone deserves healthcare.

We’re demanding a healthcare system that actually puts people first. One Nation, Overcharged

Sign up to join the movement >> https://pulse.ly/cglpw6ujvw

🦷 Oral health is health care — and everyone deserves access to it.

This week, Community Catalyst joined CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN), and more than 100 advocates from 39 states on Capitol Hill to meet with Congress about the importance of Medicaid dental coverage, veterans' oral health, and public oral health funding.

These conversations matter because equitable access to oral health care improves health outcomes, strengthens communities, and helps build a health system that works for everyone.

Thank you for having us! What an impactful week!

Millions of people will lose their Medicaid coverage starting January 1, 2027 — not because they're ineligible, but because of paperwork, reporting requirements, and bureaucratic red tape.

ICYMI: CMS dropped a new Medicaid work requirements rule on Monday. One that isn't just haphazard and reckless, it's deeply unpopular.

People with disabilities, chronic conditions, and complex health needs like diabetes or cancer could lose coverage despite still qualifying for it — all because of a rushed and unnecessary process.

The same people Congress swore to protect are going to experience the restrictions worst of all.

If Congress wants to keep their word, they can still reverse this harmful and costly policy. But the time to act is now.

Millions of people will lose their Medicaid coverage — not because they're ineligible, but because of paperwork, reporting requirements, and bureaucratic red tape.

That's the warning healthcare advocates are sounding following CMS's new Medicaid work requirements rule released earlier this week.

"Those at particular risk are the very people Congress swore to protect," said Community Catalyst Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs Shaina Goodman. People with disabilities, chronic conditions, and complex health needs like diabetes or cancer could lose coverage despite still qualifying for it — all because of a rushed and unnecessary process.

Industry groups say final Medicaid work requirements rule imposes onerous documentation burden On Monday, the Trump administration finalized a key rule that establishes national guidelines for the rollout of work requirements in Medicaid, and industry groups warn that the regulation could pr | On Monday, the Trump administration finalized a key rule that establishes national guidelines for th...