As people of faith concerned with the health and well-being of all people, we support efforts that would provide universal health care for all Americans.

We agree with national religious leaders who recently stated that health care reform is needed so “that all of our neighbors, especially the people living in poverty, children, and the aged, can be assured of the fullness of life that is central to the holy vision of a beloved and peaceable community.”

We also agree with Senator Edward Kennedy, who recently wrote:

"...we have to cut the costs of health care. For families who've seen health-insurance premiums more than double—from an average of less than $6,000 a year to nearly $13,000 since 1999—one of the most controversial features of reform is one of the most vital. It's been called the "public plan." Despite what its detractors allege, it's not "socialism." It could take a number of different forms. Our bill favors a "community health-insurance option." In short, this means that the federal government would negotiate rates—in keeping with local economic conditions—for a plan that would be offered alongside private insurance options. This will foster competition in pricing and services. It will be a safety net, giving Americans a place to go when they can't find or afford private insurance, and it's critical to holding costs down for everyone."

Therefore, we call on members of the House and Senate, along with President Obama, to resist efforts that would weaken or otherwise undermine a strong public option as part of health care reform. A strong public option is needed to move our nation closer to the goal of universal health care.

More information:

Statement from Religious Leaders On Health Care Reform
http://www.ncccusa.org/news/090707healthcarestatement.html

Senator Kennedy’s Essay
http://www.newsweek.com/id/207406/page/1

Take action! Call your members of Congress and tell them you want a strong public option included in health reform and sign the petition at http://www.citizensforapublicoption.com/ .
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As people of faith concerned with the health and well-being of all people, we support efforts that would provide universal health care for all Americans.

We agree with national religious leaders who recently stated that health care reform is needed so “that all of our neighbors, especially the people living in poverty, children, and the aged, can be assured of the fullness of life that is central to the holy vision of a beloved and peaceable community.”

We also agree with Senator Edward... (read more)