Download - Theological Statement on Health Care
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Theological Statement on Health Care
Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders
Health Care Task Force
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Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders
Episcopal
Armenian Orthodox
Roman Catholic
Methodist
Presbyterian
Anabaptist
Disciples of Christ
Hebrew Union College
Board of Rabbis
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The task force consensus
We must be better stewards of our resources Disparities raise justice issues Our religious traditions call us to speak out
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“Crisis? What crisis?”
The latest technology The best trained doctors First-rate services (…for covered individuals)
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“Yes. There is a crisis!”
We spend more than any other nation Many people are underinsured Many more are completely uninsured
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…and others are just one step away A catastrophic illness …or an accident …or disability …or job loss …or natural disaster
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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But just how big is the problem? 40 million uninsured Too little care too late Unpaid medical bills Uninsured in working families Significant inefficiencies
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Our system is broken and needs reform
“Who is my neighbor?”Luke 10:29
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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
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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
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We are called to love and compassion
Justice, and only justice you shall pursue.
Deuteronomy 16:20
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We are called to be good stewards
Fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion…over every living thing.
Genesis 1:28
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So, we are called to action
Universal access to appropriate health care Responsible stewardship of health care
resources
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The religious conscience demands Justice Stewardship Safeguards
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What can you do?
Advocate Educate Prioritize Participate
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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
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Education—a success story
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Priorities—practice what you preach
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Participation—resources
www.uhcan.org www.faithfulreform.org
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Health care reform
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Questions and answers