Theological Statement on Health Care

1. Theological Statement on Health Care Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders Health Care Task Force

2. Armenian Orthodox Episcopal Anabaptist Roman Catholic Hebrew Union College Board of Rabbis Disciples of Christ Methodist Presbyterian 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. 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. Joe – a young adult

8. 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. Ellen – a single mom

9. 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. Domingo – a farm worker

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. Rising costs Uncompensated care Providers charge more Insurers charge more Employers shift costs or drop coverage It’s a vicious cycle • 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 10:29

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 1:27

17. We are called to love and compassion Justice, and only justice you shall pursue. Deuteronomy 16:20

18. We are called to be good stewards Fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion…over every living thing. Genesis 1:28

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. Advocacy—opportunities • 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. Education—a success story

24. Priorities—practice what you preach

25. Participation—resources www.uhcan.org www.faithfulreform.org

26. Health care reform What will you do?

27. Questions and answers