Community Catalyst

Join CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and Community Catalyst for a webinar exploring dental therapy, including its legislative landscape, scope of practice, and real-world applications. Our panel will address common misconceptions, discuss dental therapists' impact on expanding care in underserved communities, and highlight strategies for their successful integration into dental teams. Featured panelists include: Kari Kuntzelman, Licensed Dental Therapist (Moderator)  Laura (Hale) Brannon, Senior Project Manager, Community Catalyst  Sarah Wovcha, JD, MPH, Executive Director, Children's Dental Services Register for this free webinar (and earn 1 CE credit) on the CareQuest Institute website. This webinar will be recorded. If you cannot attend, Register anyway - please note all registrants will receive a recording of the event! https://commcat.io/dent

In a groundbreaking move, yesterday the Biden administration and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced they had finalized a rule to prevent all medical debt from impacting credit scores. “Nobody, no matter where we live or how much money we have, should be forced to make the impossible choice between getting essential care and going into debt. And they should not have to worry that medical debt could prevent them from buying a house or securing an auto loan because of its impact on their credit," explains Mona Shah, Senior Director of Policy and Strategy to CNN. Medical debt impacts more than 100 million people in the United States, including those with health insurance. This rule will provide relief to millions of people that have unfairly had their credit impacted simply because they got sick. Read more >> https://lnkd.in/enpyzGzv

🚨Big news: The Biden-Harris administration has finalized a rule to stop medical debt from impacting and appearing on credit scores!    This is a massive win for the 100+ million people in the U.S. burdened by medical debt, achieved after years of advocacy led by Community Catalyst and partners.    Together, we’ve demonstrated the power of centering impacted individuals and communities in policymaking. From nearly 11,000 petition signatures to the voices of storytellers like Samuel, this progress is a testament to the strength of collective action.    But the work isn’t done. The incoming administration must keep this rule in place and expand protections for people impacted by predatory financial practices.    Let’s celebrate this victory and keep pushing for a health system that puts people over profit.     Learn more about our campaign and what’s next: https://commcat.io/3me7CDi   #HealthJustice #MedicalDebt 

Rest is a radical act. As 2024 winds down, many of the Community Catalyst team is taking time to log off, reconnect with our loved ones and communities, and recharge before the new year. Though our offices remain open, our reduced staff over the holidays will be focused on closing out the year. No content will be posted until January, but we’ll be back soon. In the meantime, stay safe and healthy. We’ll be back online soon, united for health justice. ✊

Our country is facing an alarming maternal health crisis – one that disproportionately impacts Black, Indigenous and Latinx parents.     Meanwhile, corporations and private equity firms continue to put financial interests above patient needs, further contributing to this growing crisis.     From hospitals cutting critical services for birthing people that aren’t “profitable” enough, to the overuse of expensive procedures that can push new parents into #MedicalDebt, it’s clear that profits don’t belong in our health care system.    At Community Catalyst, we’re fighting for a system that prioritizes community needs over corporate gain, so everyone can access affordable, quality reproductive care that centers their needs.    Learn more about reclaiming reproductive care and our work to put people over profit in our new blog >> https://commcat.io/3ZOdeoR

The Congressional Budget Office has just issued a critical warning about the impending expiration of enhanced Premium Tax Credits (PTCs). Link >> https://commcat.io/41rZuBr In a new letter to members of Congress, Congressional Budget Office warns about a potential health crisis where millions could lose their health coverage if these tax credits are not extended. “We know that these tax credits are a proven way to expand access to coverage and care—particularly among Black, Hispanic and AAPI communities—and reduce individuals’ health care costs. They are a vital lifeline for millions of people, and if Congress fails to act—and extend these tax credits—that lifeline will be pulled away,” wrote our Senior Director of Policy and Strategy, Mona Shah in a blog this past summer. Read more >> https://commcat.io/3OF5EXc The downstream effects of not extending these credits are deeply concerning: increased rates of unmanaged chronic conditions, delayed preventive care, skipped medications, and inevitable medical debt that could devastate families for generations. We're looking at the potential undoing of years of progress in expanding health care access and reducing health inequities. It's time Congress steps in to prevent this by extending PTCs and stop millions of people from losing access to affordable health care. Learn more about enhanced Premium Tax Credits >> https://commcat.io/3ZmZgue

While profit-driven entities and extremist politicians try to take us backwards, we're building power with our state and local partners to help people gain access to the coverage and care they want and need. Join us to make health care more affordable, accessible, and equitable. Make a #GivingTuesday donation today ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g_girAkt

We’re working to tackle the astronomical cost of care, put an end to the medical debt crisis, and make sure everyone can get the care they want and need regardless of where they live. This #GivingTuesday help fuel our work with state and local partner organizations and advocates across the country. Donate today: https://lnkd.in/gsC2jxgT

Caregivers help care for the health and well-being of others, but who makes sure that caregivers are getting the care they need?     Caregivers, whether family caregivers or direct care workers – like home health care aides, nursing assistants, and people who work in residential nursing homes – are providing essential care and support for people in their communities. Still, caregivers are often overlooked and undervalued, evidenced by the lack of policies that support them — like Medicaid expansion and paid family leave.      This November, let’s give caregivers more than a ‘Thank You’ — let’s make sure they get the care they need.    Join our movement & share a photo to show a caregiver in your life that you care for them >> https://commcat.io/4g9AfYn    Learn more about our caregiving work >> https://commcat.io/3AVHCnz    #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth #FamilyCaregiverMonth #CaregiverAdvocacy 

We need more caregivers – and we’re not giving them the care they need.    Pam is one of more than 80,000 caregivers living without any realistic access to affordable health coverage and care in the 10 states where leaders refuse to expand Medicaid.    Learn more about Pam and other caregivers like her who are playing crucial roles in our communities without any access to care themselves >> https://commcat.io/3AVHCnz