The bishops of Louisiana have communicated their concerns with the AHCA to Senators Cassidy and Kennedy via written letters.  Their concerns are rooted within both the foundational theme of Catholic Social Teaching – the Life and Dignity of the Human Person – as well as the Option for the Poor and Vulnerable.

There are provisions within the AHCA that are uniquely detrimental to the health and well being of Louisianans, especially those most vulnerable and on the margins.  This is so due to the effective elimination of Medicaid expansion as well as the dramatic paring back of the “traditional” Medicaid program which includes funding for mental health services, home and community based services for children with severe medical needs and the Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

The AHCA fails a basic moral test – how the most vulnerable in our society are faring.  Therefore, the bishops oppose this harmful legislation.