According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 47 million Americans went without health insurance at some point last year. The cost if health care has also risen 50% over the last decade and the U.S. spends about $2 trillion each year on health spending. There is an urgent need for drastic health insurance reform, and the time to act is now.
This plan should expand coverage to the highest number of Americans possible, protect low-income and vulnerable populations and promise quality affordable care, while resting on a financially sustainable foundation. Both the House and the Senate have passed reform legislation. A final version of the bill is in the works, but not assured. We must ensure that reform happens, and that critical components are included in the final bill.
Both the House and Senate-passed bills contain fundamental flaws. Unfortunately, both bills contain anti-choice provisions that would greatly restrict access to reproductive health services. The Senate bill also greatly limits subsidies that make insurance more affordable for low-income families, and the House bill fails to include key provisions protecting children’s health care coverage.
Congressional leaders must support health insurance reform for a healthy future that provides care for all, is affordable, comprehensive, and includes protections for vulnerable populations.
Jewish Values and Health Care
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; health insurance reform should not inhibit women’s ability to fulfill that mandate. It is our responsibility to lift up the moral voice for health insurance reform, and to tell Congress to ensure swift passage of strong, comprehensive health insurance reform that also protects women’s rights, our nation’s children, and low-income Americans.
Take Action
Urge Congressional leaders to support health reform that protects our nation’s most vulnerable populations. 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.jewsforhealthcarereform.org where you can sign our health care petition to Congress.
