RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Ascension Saint Thomas President and CEO Fahad Tahir says he is deeply disappointed that the newly passed H.R.1 bill includes cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, which could cause nearly 12 million people to lose coverage. He noted that about 1.5 million Tennesseans currently rely on TennCare, including half of all babies born in the state. Tahir expressed concern that the cuts will leave many vulnerable Tennesseans, especially in rural areas, facing medical uncertainty.

While no immediate changes are expected for Ascension Saint Thomas operations, the health system will keep advocating for the poor and underserved. Tahir emphasized the system’s long-standing mission to care for everyone, regardless of coverage, across its 18 hospitals and 320 sites. He reaffirmed their commitment to serve all patients with dignity and compassion, even as the impacts of the legislation unfold.

Statement from Fahad Tahir, president and CEO for Ascension Saint Thomas on the passage of H.R.1 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act):

“We are deeply disappointed with the cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act included in legislation H.R.1 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act), which passed Congress today. This bill falls short of supporting individuals and families who are poor, vulnerable, or too often left out of important decisions in Washington, causing nearly 12 million people to lose their health coverage.

Today approximately 1.5M Tennesseans (roughly 20% of the population) are supported by Tenncare. 1 in 2 babies born in Tennessee are covered by TennCare. As a health system committed to caring for all regardless of coverage we have deep concerns about potential loss of coverage for the most vulnerable Tennesseans and will continue to advocate on behalf of our community as the impacts of the legislation will be felt.

While we do not expect immediate operational changes, we know that these cuts will have many Tennesseeans facing medical uncertainty, particularly in rural communities. As the only faith-based, nonprofit health system in Middle Tennessee, Ascension Saint Thomas has cared for our communities for 125 years and will continue to do so. Today, we serve a 45-county area through 18 hospitals, including 6 rural hospitals, and more than 320 sites of care, with our more than 13,000 associates caring for millions of Tennesseans each year.

As a Catholic health ministry, we remain committed to advocating for those who may not have a voice in policy conversations. Our Mission has not changed. We will continue to provide high-quality care to everyone we serve, with special attention to those most in need, regardless of their health coverage status.”