theological statement on health care
DESCRIPTION
Theological Statement on Health Care. Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders Health Care Task Force. Armenian Orthodox. Episcopal. Anabaptist. Roman Catholic. Hebrew Union College. Board of Rabbis. Disciples of Christ. Methodist. Presbyterian. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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