FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
June 1, 2026  
CONTACT: Jack Cardinal, jcardinal@communitycatalyst.org   

BOSTON, MA — Following the release of formal guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to states for implementing work requirements for people with Medicaid health insurance as prescribed in the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” Shaina Goodman, Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs of Community Catalyst, issued the following statement:  

“The haphazard and reckless push for bureaucratic work requirements for many adults with Medicaid insurance following the passage of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ is about to strip healthcare away from families, neighbors and friends while blowing giant holes in state budgets. 

“Millions will lose their coverage due to unnecessary and costly paperwork and administrative red tape. Among those at particular risk are the very people Congress swore to protect – people with disabilities, chronic conditions, and complex health needs like diabetes or cancer who should keep their health insurance but will fall through the cracks because of a self-inflicted and rushed timeline. 

“In fact, these bureaucratic barriers harm us all, as states are set to lose billions of dollars in Medicaid funding, forcing the closure of hospitals and health clinics, putting healthcare further out of reach for rural and underserved communities, and directly harming state and local economies. 

“CMS should grant states additional time to implement this federal directive and ensure systems are in place to protect people against unnecessary coverage losses. But Congress can and should still act to reverse this harmful and costly policy along with the other health care cuts they passed in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’” 

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About Community Catalyst:  

Community Catalyst is a leading non-profit national health advocacy organization dedicated to advancing a movement for race equity and health justice. We partner with local, state and national advocates to leverage and build power so all people can influence decisions that affect their health. Health systems will not be accountable to people without a fully engaged and organized community voice. That’s why we work every day to ensure people’s interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and health care are made: in communities, state houses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org.