AS PEOPLE OF FAITH:
we recognize the moral imperative of working for a health care future that includes everyone and works well for all of us.
Across traditions, we unite hands and hearts, believing together we can bring to pass a more just society in which we all have access
to affordable and quality care.
“Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?
Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored?”
(Jeremiah 8:22)
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We believe that every person is created in the image of God and shares in the inherent
dignity of being created by God: body, mind and spirit. Health and wholeness is a gift from God intended for all
God’s people; when those in religious, economic or political power deny this inherent dignity to God’s people,
the prophets of God speak out, calling for justice and a return to God’s way.
The healthcare debate in the 111th Congress is in full swing and major decisions about the quality, affordability
and accessibility of healthcare will be made by Congress and the President in the next few weeks. So now is the time
to make your voice heard on the Hill and at the White House. Faith leaders of all traditions believe that the
health care crisis can be resolved and all people can have full access to quality health care at affordable cost,
that the common good will be served and the health of our communities will be restored.
We believe a reformed healthcare system must include:
Choice of Private or Public Health Insurance Plan Option
- Ability to keep one’s current private insurance plan or join a new public health
insurance plan.
- The option of a public health insurance plan will be a guaranteed backup that will
always be there to ensure quality, affordable health care coverage no matter what.
Coverage We Can Afford
- Health coverage that is affordable for every person, family, and business.
- Coverage with premiums and out-of-pocket costs based on one’s ability to pay.
- Government acting as a watchdog, setting and enforcing rules so private insurance
companies can’t deny coverage or raise rates based on health history, age or gender.
Comprehensive Benefits We Can Count On
- Defined, comprehensive health care benefits that meet a family’s needs from
prevention to chronic care.
- Low out-of-pocket costs so individuals can afford to get medical care when they need it.
- Maintaining and expanding an individual’s choice of doctors and hospitals.
Equal Access to Quality Care
- Equity in health care access, treatment, research, and resources to people and communities
of color – leading to elimination of disparities in health outcomes – and strong health care services
in low-income communities
Our goal is to shape the current debate so Congress hears strong voices from communities and
church leaders across the country in support of affordability, comprehensive benefits, a public health insurance
option and access to care. While we declare our deep faith values guiding us in this debate, we can also stress that
by enacting comprehensive healthcare reform, America can emerge from this deep economic crisis and create a world
class healthcare system for all.
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