Passage of a health care reform bill is uncertain, but the need for reform remains a national priority and moral imperative. Health care is a basic human right. Yet, there are nearly 50 million Americans who do not have access to health care. “Now is not the time to abandon this task, but rather to set aside partisan divisions and special interest pressures to find ways to enact genuine reform.” The entire letter can be found at www.usccb.org/healthcare/HC-Letter-to-Congress-012610.pdf

Take Action Now!

Contact your Senators and Representative today (For contact information, visit www.house.gov and www.senate.gov). The Capitol switchboard number is 202-224-3121.
Urge Congress to work in a bipartisan manner toward achieving affordable, accessible health care for all that protects life and does not threaten life.
Tell your Senators and Representative that health care reform must include the following criteria:

1. Ensure access to quality, affordable, life giving health care for all;
2. Retain longstanding requirements that federal funds not be used for elective abortions or plans that include them, and effectively protects conscience rights;
3. Protect the access to health care that immigrants currently have and removes current barriers to access; and,
4. Restrain costs and apply them equitably across the spectrum of payers.

For more information, contact:
Kathy Saile, Director, Domestic Social Development, 202-541-3134, ksaile@usccb.org or visit: www.usccb.org/healthcare

Prayer for the Uninsured

Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the uninsured members of our community and for all who are in need. For those who seek care but find that it is out of reach, may they find consolation in your healing presence. For all who are blessed with health and security, may they strive to fulfill the needs of those who are sick and insecure. For leaders who make decisions that affect the health and well-being of others, may they work to ensure the fundamental right to health care. We ask this through Christ our Lord who healed those who believed. Amen