Senate Resolution No. by Senator Cathey urges the federal government, including Congress and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), to reconsider any policies that may lead to reductions in Medicaid funding for Louisiana's rural hospitals. The resolution highlights the critical role these hospitals play in providing essential healthcare services to rural communities, particularly in light of a Presidential Memorandum issued on June 6, 2025, which is projected to result in a significant reduction in funding. Such cuts could exacerbate existing challenges faced by rural hospitals, including workforce shortages and financial instability, potentially leading to service cutbacks or closures that would disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.

The resolution emphasizes the importance of maintaining current levels of Medicaid funding to ensure continued access to comprehensive healthcare services in rural areas of Louisiana. It calls for collaboration between state and federal governments to address healthcare disparities while safeguarding the financial stability of rural hospitals. The Senate requests that copies of the resolution be sent to key federal officials and encourages active engagement with state officials and community stakeholders to develop solutions that meet the healthcare needs of rural populations.