For Immediate Release: October 1, 2025
WASHINGTON—The government shutdown is the latest example of Congress ignoring the struggles of millions of people in the U.S. who risk losing their health insurance due to increasing costs, the leader of NETWORK Lobby Catholic Social Justice said as the deadline for passing a Continuing Resolution lapsed at midnight on September 30.
“Health care is a human right, and Members of Congress chose to shut down the federal government rather than protect affordable health care,” said Laurie Carafone, Executive Director of NETWORK. “The Speaker of the House cancelled work this week for his members rather than deal in good faith with the crisis at hand. That is irresponsible. NETWORK continues to support a bipartisan funding bill that protects health care, especially for millions of people immediately at risk of losing it. With Affordable Care Act enrollment beginning in less than a month, there is no time to waste.”
Carafone added, “Right now, families are receiving notices regarding their premiums for 2026. The average premium for marketplace enrollees with financial assistance was already $460 per month in 2025 and will now jump to $1,087 per month in 2026, a 136 percent increase. In Mississippi and Alaska, premiums will increase by over 300 percent. That puts lifesaving care out of reach for millions and raises healthcare costs for all. People across the U.S. are already one health crisis away from bankruptcy, and failure to act, coupled with the Republicans’ Big Bad Budget Law, is irresponsible and sinful.”
NETWORK opposed and lobbied against the passage of the recent Republicans’ Budget Law, decrying its unprecedented cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other human needs programs to fund tax cuts for billionaires and $150 billion for the expansion and further militarization of ICE.
Founded by Catholic Sisters in 1971, NETWORK is an inclusive, national, Catholic advocacy organization open to all who share our values, working for justice and equity for everyone. For 53 years, NETWORK has educated, organized, and lobbied for federal policies that serve the common good and honor the dignity of all people.
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