Some Bad News

I am disappointed.

The U.S. House of Representatives just passed a bill, the American Health Care Act, which will have devastating effects on the American health care system.

The Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe, the general secretary of Church and Society, said, “Tragically, we find again and again that health care succumbs to political gamesmanship rather than legislating for the common good – and health – of all people.”

It is, indeed, tragic.

Jesus said, “I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly.” Denying health care is contrary to God’s vision for us. That’s why the United Methodist General Conference has affirmed and reaffirmed, time and again, “Health care is a basic human right.” (Social Principles ¶162.V)

It wasn’t easy for them to pass the bill, however. They thought they’d have no problem kicking people off their health insurance. But, your advocacy changed the equation.

Your emails and phone calls; your conversations during coffee hour and presence at town halls; your prayers and protests were not in vain.

And this is not over!

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. I hope we can count on your continued efforts to prevent this terrible bill from becoming law. Just as your representative needed to hear from you, your senator will need to know where you stand.

They’ll need to know you’re watching.

Your senators will need to know that you won’t stand by as they allow insurance companies to deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.

• That “high-risk pools” were a failure before and they will be again.
• That Medicaid is a sacred covenant we’ve made to protect poor, working class, and elderly people, and a promise we intend to keep.
• That insurance that doesn’t include essential health coverage victimizes people by denying benefits when they are needed the most.
• That an illness should not mean financial ruin and bankruptcy, which it surely would without annual and lifetime caps.
• That repealing the modest Medicare tax means putting more money in the pockets of the wealthy while taking money away from seniors.
• That allowing insurance companies more leverage in age-related rates will leave those between 50-64 years old paying significantly more out-of-pocket.

Yes. Your senators will need to know that you’re not going to stand by and watch as they make people’s lives worse.

Please make three quick calls right now.

First, click here to find out how your representative voted. If they voted against the bill, call to thank them for their vote. If they voted for the bill, call to express your disappointment.

Then, make two calls to your two senators. Tell them that you live in their state and you would like them to vote no on this bill. Tell them what is at stake with this legislation for you and your community.

The number for the U.S. Capitol switchboard is 202.224.3121. You can use that number to connect with all three of your members of Congress.

Together, we have the power to stop this. Please join in.