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Health Care

Why is health important to United Methodists?

Take Action Now!

UPDATE!!!

Read about HR 3962 and the UM position on the current bill!

Bishop Ough calls us to act now.

Join the West Ohio Health Reform John 10:10 Challenge. 

Be a part of the Justice Action Team and stay informed of ongoing vigils, educational events, important news, worship opportunities, and new ministries. 

All human beings have been created in the image of God and are called to the abundant life. In the biblical story of the woman with the hemorrhage, Jesus provides an example of his healing ministry that includes the spiritual as well as our physical status of the person.

And behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well." Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well (Matthew 9:20-22, RSV).

We believe that our mission as the church is to continue the redemptive ministry of Christ, including teaching, preaching, and healing. Christ's healing was not peripheral but central in his ministry. The church, therefore, understands itself as called by the Lord to the holistic ministry of healing: spiritual, mental and emotional, and physical.

 

As the hands and feet of Christ in the world,  we can be a part of his healing ministry in many ways.

 

 

Do Good

  

Do No Harm

  


UPDATE ON LEGISLATION: HR 3962

Our United Methodist Social Principles state clearly that health care is a basic human right and joins Ezekiel in affirming the duty of government to assure health care for all(Social Principle paragraph 162V).  Recently, our General Board of Church and Society has taken a position tosupport HR 3962, a new bill to reform health care in the United States.

HR 3962 provides the following key points: 

1. Creation of "Insurance Exchange" coverage people can purchase through the government.  The rates have been negotiated with hospital systems so that the interests of various parties are represented: the public, health care providers, insurance providers, and the government. 

Over the past 32 years, General Conference has consistently advocated for a single payer option which would cover every American.  The Insurance Exchange (or Negotiated Rates Public Option) is a compromise to the United Methodist position.   This means that the rate to purchase it will depend on where a person lives. In some instances, it will cost more than the purchase of private insurance. In other places, it will cost less.

2. This bill would eliminate the practice of denying insurance to you based on pre-existing conditions.

3. If your income is below 150% of the federal poverty level, you will become eligible for Medicaid. If your income is between 150-400% of the poverty level, you can purchase subsidized insurance through the exchange.

4. HR 3962 will also allow parents to cover their dependent children through age 27.

In summary, HR 3962 will make health coverage accessible to more people and provide health care for more people.

 Want to see the General Board of Church and Society's in-depth analysis of HR 3962?  Click here.

 

 

Stay in Love with God

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