FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2025 

Contact: Jack Cardinal, jcardinal@communitycatalyst.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Trump administration rescinded prior guidance from the Biden administration that allowed states to access Medicaid funding to address social determinants of health for beneficiaries like food, housing and transportation. The flexibility by the previous administration was intended to address underlying factors that contribute to health inequities. In a break from tradition, CMS did not provide explanation for the action.

Statement from Brandon G. Wilson, Co-Interim President and CEO at Community Catalyst on the Trump Administration’s Rescission of Medicaid Health Equity Guidance:

“The Trump administration’s decision to revoke critical Medicaid guidance on using funds that would advance health equity is a direct attack on the well-being of millions of people across the country. This move undermines efforts to address food insecurity, transportation barriers, and housing instability—all fundamental needs that impact the health of individuals, families and communities. 

“This rescission does little to eliminate costs – instead, it will increase the downstream medical costs of people simply seeking healthy food, stable housing, and necessary medical care. This will only lead to worse health outcomes and more medical debt for individuals and families, leaving them with impossible choices between life and debt.  

“Rescinding these policies without explanation flies in the face of what people want: a health system that prioritizes access, affordability, and equity. Programs that address social determinants of health are not political talking points—they are lifelines for families, seniors, and people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid. 

“This decision is part of a broader, dangerous pattern of rolling back equity-focused initiatives, ignoring both data and lived experiences. Removing incentives that focus on health equity could lead to even more profit-driven decisions in health systems, further worsening patient outcomes and access to care. 

We urge state leaders, advocates, and communities to push back against this harmful decision and continue fighting for a health system that puts people first.” 

###  

About Community Catalyst:  

Community Catalyst is a national organization dedicated to building the power of people to create a health system rooted in race equity and health justice, and a society where health is a right for all. We’re an experienced, trusted partner to organizations across the country, a change agent to policymakers at the local, state, and national level, and both an adversary and a collaborator to health systems in our efforts to advance health justice. We partner with local, state and national organizations and leaders to leverage and build power so that people are at the center of important decisions about health and health care, whether they are made by health care executives, in state houses, or on Capitol Hill. Together with partners, we’re building a powerful, united movement with a shared vision of and strategy for a health system accountable to all people. Learn more at www.communitycatalyst.org.