Inclusive and Available Health Care

Editor's Note: This is an expanded article published in the Spire in late September 2009.

Embedded in the Global Board of Church and Society principles for a just health care system—especially “inclusive” and “available”—is a commitment to the universal availability of insurance and care.

Young adults (40% of uninsured), the working poor (66% of uninsured), and immigrants (21% of uninsured, legal and illegal) are the most physically and financially vulnerable in our health care system.

It is a misconception, however, to assume young adults are healthy individuals who believe themselves invincible; rather, statistics show that the uninsured tend to be less healthy than those with health insurance. Those without health insurance receive less care, are less likely to see a doctor, and more likely to receive diagnoses of diseases in their late stages.

A thread through the Hebrew Bible is a call for a communal commitment to the most vulnerable in society. While I believe there are dangers in accepting a given Levitical commandment as a universal moral imperative, a thread of biblical references contend that citizens and immigrants alike should have the same expectations and protections with respect to ethical laws and humanitarian rights and aid (Lev. 19.33-34).

According to the National Coalition on Health Care report, there are adverse communal consequences to allowing a percentage of the population to be uninsured.

"First, family members, neighbors, and colleagues at work are adversely affected by the incapacities that befall the uninsured. Second, as the number … increases, so does the cost-shifting for uncompensated care built into the insurance premiums of those who purchase coverage. Third, the high incidence of uninsurance generates losses throughout the economy…. (“Building a Better Health Care System”, 9)"

We find from our tradition solid reasons to extend quality care to all. Let us see Christ in all and extend care to all (Matthew 25.44). The question remains, "So say we all?"

Bibliography

1. "Building a Better Health Care System" (PDF), National Coalition on Health Care
2. The 'Real' Uninsured, FactCheck.org