One Last Step: Finish Health Reform Now & Finish It Correctly!

BACKGROUND: 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 46 million Americans went without health insurance at some point last year. The cost of health care has risen 50% over the last decade. The bill signed into law by President Obama this week is a first and necessary step in reform, but there is more work to be done.  The Senate must still pass one more health reform “reconciliation” bill (H.R. 4872) this week and as a final step, that bill will also be sent to the House for approval.   Only by passing this final bill can Congress address the growing numbers of uninsured Americans and the growing, unsustainable cost of health care.
 
A final reform package will expand coverage to millions of uninsured Americans, protect low-income and other vulnerable populations, rest on a financially sustainable foundation and help guarantee affordability of care.


JEWISH VALUES:
Jewish tradition is emphatic about the importance of the community providing health care for its vulnerable members. When members of a society at large are ill, our responsibility expands to ensure that medical resources are available at an affordable cost. Tradition also teaches that women are commanded to care for the health and well-being of their bodies above all else.

TAKE ACTION:
Urge your Members of Congress to support the final piece of health reform and to vote “yes” on the reconciliation package and oppose any amendments.  Tell your family, friends, neighbors, and fellow congregants to make the call. Call toll-free at 1-888-210-3678. You can also send an e-mail by entering your zip code below. For more information, please contact Legislative Assistant Rebecca Katz at 202.387.2800 or visit www.jewforhealthcarereform.org.