World Diabetes Day
People without health insurance live lives that are shorter and less healthy because it’s harder for them to get preventive, diagnostic and ongoing care. As we honor World Diabetes Day, make sure you and everyone you know has health insurance.
World Diabetes Day is Nov. 14.
But I don’t have diabetes. Why should I care?
We could quote statistics, but statistics can kill our compassion with large numbers. Joseph Stalin is credited with saying, “one death is a tragedy, but a thousand deaths are just a statistic.”
So why should you care?
The International Diabetes Federation tells us half of the people who have diabetes are undiagnosed. Could that be you?
Two out of five women with diabetes are in their childbearing years. Is that you? Your sister? Your mother? Your daughter?
I have a friend whose daughter is pregnant. Do you know anyone who is expecting? One in seven births in the world is affected by gestational diabetes. If you are at risk of diabetes and may become pregnant, you need a source of health care that includes reproductive health services.
I care. Do you?
The United Methodist Church Cares.
Our savior traveled Galilee, healing the sick. The prophet Ezekiel told the leaders of his country their duty was to heal the sick and bind up the wounded. Our Social Principles say health care is a basic human right. Our Book of Resolutions calls for everyone to have access to affordable, high-quality health care.
People without health insurance live lives that are shorter and less healthy because it’s harder for them to get preventive, diagnostic and ongoing care. One of the reasons for that is diabetes.
Do you know anyone without health insurance? Someone who is working but their employer doesn’t pay for it? Someone who recently lost their job? Someone who’s been looking for work but just hasn’t been able to find it?
The Affordable Care Act was passed to help these friends of yours. Open enrollment is happening right now.
This year the enrollment period is shorter than last year, and the budget for counselors is smaller than before. However, there are still subsidies for which you may be qualified. The only way to find out is by shopping the exchanges.
Enrollment is from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15.
If you don’t have health insurance, sign up.
Help your friend sign up.
Get together with a group from your church or community to go out and help others sign up.
You’ll be helping prevent diabetes getting a start, and you’ll be walking in the footsteps of the one who came to heal.
Visit Healthcare.gov for more information.
