WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops called on Congress to continue to work on health care reform to provide access for everyone, protection of life at all stages and conscience rights.
The call came in a January 26 letter signed by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston- Houston, chair of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities; Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, chair of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development; and Bishop John Wester of Salt Lake City, chair of the Committee on Migration.
(Read the entire letter here.)
The bishops said that the need for reform remains despite a new political climate.
“Although political contexts have changed, the moral and policy failure that leaves tens of millions of our sisters and brothers without access to health care still remains,” they said. “We encourage Congress to begin working in a bipartisan manner providing political courage, vision and leadership. We must all continue to work towards a solution that protects everyone’s lives and respects their dignity.”
The bishops asked for changes in proposed bills in the House of Representatives and Senate. The current bills, they said, “leave between 18 and 23 million people in our nation without health insurance.”
They criticized the Senate bill saying it does not meet the church’s criteria on life and conscience since it does not reflect the current U.S. policy as outlined in the Hyde Amendment passed in 1976.
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(Read the entire press release here.)
Here's a link, from the sidebar, to the USCCB page on Health Care Reform.
Who are the 18 to 23 million that the bishops refer to?
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Rosemary
Not sure if perhaps your question was rhetorical, Rosemary.
ReplyDeleteI don't have the answer, you'd need to write to the USCCB.
I am one of those individuals who cannot afford to purchase health insurance, or under the options as they are currently proposed. I am a 55 year old female, single, no employer paid plan (work for small entrepreneur who is unable to offer insurance)and I have a pre-existing condition. One more thing, I am not a resident of MA.,so no state option. There are lots of us out here! Have not seen a physician for a physical or on a preventive basis for 10+ years now. Could that be why when many of us turn 65 we will be at doctors doors with conditions that could have been prevented or treated at early stages. Just a few thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHealth Reform is necessary. I pay $1200 a MONTH for health insurance for me and one child. - I am self employed. I live in MA but friends in other states cannot get insurance due to pre-existing conditions or onset of long term illness. State laws here prohibit denying coverage - not so in other states. That is the millions of people referred to above. It bothers me that the house/senate and their families get great coverage the moment they take oath of office. Why can't we?
ReplyDeleteMy question wasn't rhetorical. I have heard/read the numbers of those not covered by health insurance in this country are anywhere from 30,000,000 to 50,000,000. I was curious to find out who the 18,000,000 to 23,000,000 who would still be uncovered under the present House and Senate bills are. I will see if I can find out through the USCCB site. If I am successful, I will report back!
ReplyDeleteRosemary