Theological Statement on Health Care

Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders

Health Care Task Force

Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders

Episcopal

Armenian Orthodox

Roman Catholic

Methodist

Presbyterian

Anabaptist

Disciples of Christ

Hebrew Union College

Board of Rabbis

The task force consensus

We must be better stewards of our resources Disparities raise justice issues Our religious traditions call us to speak out

“Crisis? What crisis?”

The latest technology The best trained doctors First-rate services (…for covered individuals)

“Yes. There is a crisis!”

We spend more than any other nation Many people are underinsured Many more are completely uninsured

…and others are just one step away A catastrophic illness …or an accident …or disability …or job loss …or natural disaster

Joe – a young adult

After graduation, Joe stayed in his college town and got a job at a local skateboard shop – but no benefits. He was without medical coverage when he had his skateboarding accident.

Ellen – a single mom

After the divorce, Ellen lost coverage for herself and her baby. The “well-child care” that is so important is not free for the uninsured… let alone if something serious happens to Ellen or Marcus.

Domingo – a farm worker

Domingo has worked in the fields of California for 34 years. He has raised his children and paid his taxes and been a good member of the community. But he has never had health care coverage.

Our system is wasteful of resources Administrative costs can be up to 30% Drugs are expensive and overused Medical technology is not evenly distributed Preventive care is not promoted Emergency rooms are used for primary care

Our system is wasteful of resources Administrative costs can be up to 30% Drugs are expensive and overused Medical technology is not evenly distributed Preventive care is not promoted Emergency rooms are used for primary care

It’s a vicious cycle Rising costs Uncompensated care

Government reimbursement is flator declining

Providers charge more Insurers charge more Employers shift costs

or drop coverage

Providers refuse Medicare/Medicaid patients

More people become uninsured

Uncompensated care costs more

But just how big is the problem? 40 million uninsured Too little care too late Unpaid medical bills Uninsured in working families Significant inefficiencies

Our system is broken and needs reform

“Who is my neighbor?”Luke 10:29

As people of faith we believe… All creation is sacred All are called to love and compassion Each is responsible for the stewardship of life

All creation is sacred

God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27

We are called to love and compassion

Justice, and only justice you shall pursue.

Deuteronomy 16:20

We are called to be good stewards

Fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion…over every living thing.

Genesis 1:28

So, we are called to action

Universal access to appropriate health care Responsible stewardship of health care

resources

The religious conscience demands Justice Stewardship Safeguards

What can you do?

Advocate Educate Prioritize Participate

Support health care justice resolutions Work with like-minded congregations Bring the voice of faith into the public dialog

Participate in public forums Visit your Congressional Rep Invite your Congressional Rep to visit you

Advocacy—opportunities

Education—a success story

Priorities—practice what you preach

Participation—resources

www.uhcan.org www.faithfulreform.org

Health care reform

Questions and answers