Theological Statement on Health Care

1
Theological Statement on Health Care

• Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders
• Health Care Task Force

2
Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders
3
The task force consensus

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

4
Crisis? What crisis?

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

5
Yes. There is a crisis!

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

6
and others are just one step away

• A catastrophic illness
• or an accident
• or disability
• or job loss
• or natural disaster

7
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.

8
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.

9
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.

10
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

11
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

12
Its a vicious cycle

• Rising costs
• Uncompensated care

• Providers charge more
• Insurers charge more
• Employers shift costs or drop coverage

• Uncompensated care costs more

• Government reimbursement is flator declining

• More people become uninsured

• Providers refuse Medicare/Medicaid patients

13
But just how big is the problem?

• 40 million uninsured
• Too little care too late
• Unpaid medical bills
• Uninsured in working families
• Significant inefficiencies

14
Our system is broken and needs reform
Who is my neighbor? Luke 1029
15
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

16
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 127
17
We are called to love and compassion
Justice, and only justice you shall
pursue. Deuteronomy 1620
18
We are called to be good stewards
Fill the earth and subdue it, and have
dominionover every living thing. Genesis 128
19
So, we are called to action

• Universal access to appropriate health care
• Responsible stewardship of health care resources

20
The religious conscience demands

• Justice
• Stewardship
• Safeguards

21
What can you do?

• Advocate
• Educate
• Prioritize
• Participate

22
Advocacyopportunities

• 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

23
Educationa success story
24
Prioritiespractice what you preach
25
Participationresources
www.uhcan.org www.faithfulreform.org
26
Health care reform
What will you do?
27
Questions and answers