Editor's Letter
larc
www.jarc.org
Reforming Health Care
F
amily is at the heart of Jewish life. And the health of
each family member is typically top of mind. We know
too well the horrors of catastrophic or lingering illness.
With Jews so attuned to the flashpoints of health care, it's no
surprise our imprint is visible all along the political spectrum
in response to President Obama's health care reform proposals.
Detroit Jewry's public affairs arm,
the Jewish Community Relations
Council (JCRC), is not endorsing any
particular congressional bill, but it
went so far as to adopt a thought-
provoking statement of Health Care
Reform Principles. Social justice is a
force to be reckoned with in America
— and Jews are at the forefront. It's
8 t6..
not just our embrace of helping the
Robert Sklar
less fortunate. It's also our commit-
Editor
ment to the biblical command to
share our bounty, especially with the
stranger.
Other than the dour economy, nothing's more white-hot on
the domestic scene at the moment than the health care con-
troversy. Julie Greenberg Hazen chairs the JCRC health care
task force. She and I exchanged ideas last Friday.
"We believe it incumbent upon us to pro-
mote meaningful, informed debate, marked by
civility and avoiding the falsehoods and rancor
we have all observed in recent months:' the
Huntington Woods resident told me.
Indeed.
But the reality is that perception in politics
depends on which side of the aisle you stand.
Even truth is sometimes hard to glean. Still,
insight from diverse interest groups helps
establish a toehold in the bedrock of truth.
A Foundation
The JCRC principles stand as building blocks for health
care reform:
• Universal Access to Health Services. In 2009, according
to estimates, 46 million Americans lacked access to health
care, causing death in some cases. Health care reform should
ensure every person and family has access to a physician and
qualified providers for care, regardless of income or other
barriers.
• Caring for the most vulnerable. Health care reform should
strengthen and enhance Medicaid coverage to serve all low-
income people. More than one-third of the uninsured live
beneath the federal poverty line; Medicaid is the best option
to serve this population.
• Incorporating long-term services and supports. Delivery of
high-quality, affordable and accessible care should be incor-
porated into reform efforts to create a comprehensive con-
tinuum of care, especially as Baby Boomers age.
• Choice and Affordability: People should be able to choose
their physicians and health providers as well as select from
a range of health care plans, including the choice of a public
option, such as one modeled on the Federal Employee Health
Benefits Program, which every member of Congress and their
families can access.
• Usage Equity: Health care reform should
end unfair insurance practices that allow
companies to discriminate based on pre-exist-
ing conditions. It should address entrenched
disparities in access, treatment, research and
resources in race, gender, ethnicity, language
and geographically underserved communities.
• Comprehensive Care: Health care reform
should put forth a standard for health benefits
that offers comprehensive coverage, includ-
ing all medically necessary treatments when
people are ill, but also preventive care.
Nothing's more
white-hot on the
domestic scene at
the moment than
the health care
controversy.
Studying Up
So I was pleased to hear Hazen talk about her task force seek-
ing out a variety of speakers as it contemplates support for
the health care proposal that Congress sends to the president.
The speaker the task force heard last week, Rachel Yoskowitz,
quarterbacks Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit's
Project Chessed, which assures health care for people who are
uninsured. Up to 10 percent of all Jewish households in Metro
Detroit lack health coverage; Project Chessed connects these
families with the right care, including prescriptions, based on
need and eligibility — thanks to the generous contribution
of time by many local Jewish physicians, dentists, nurses and
other medical practitioners.
The JCRC's Health Care Reform Principles urge advocacy
rooted in "a moral mandate from our Jewish tradition and
teachings!' The goal is to bring about improvements that help
social service providers assist vulnerable populations and
ensure the Jewish obligation to pursue justice is manifested in
public policy promoting health care for all.
The goal is worthy. But achieving it won't be easy.
As a starting point, the JCRC encourages and promotes
learning about health care reform options and proposals
"through robust, civil discussion, which excludes intemperate,
derogatory or inflammatory words, symbols or references."
Good luck trying to prevent the negativity; but open discus-
sion certainly rings true.
Get Involved
One retired constitutional attorney, Michael Connelly, current-
ly a constitutional law instructor in Carrollton, Texas, argues
in a scathing blog that House Bill 3200/The Affordable Health
Care Choices Act of 2009 is unconstitutional (michaelconnelly.
viviti.com/entries/general/the-truth-about-the-health-care-
bills) . So debate over actual reform wording continues to boil
over, as it should. Learn what you can about the pending laws;
then tell your congressional leaders what you think.
Yes, health care reform should put the government on a
more sustainable fiscal path and be more affordable. But it
shouldn't plunder the constitution, limit rights or excessively
empower a health services czar. Reform shouldn't be radioac-
tive. We all need to be more involved in the process and agi-
tated over the details.
Don't be indifferent.
New Year.
New Decade.
Our mission remains
unchanged —
JARC will continue to
provide the highest quality
care for people with
developmental disabilities.
JARC will continue to...
Enrich Lives.
Erase Barriers.
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Send your feedback to the JCRC's P.J. Cherrin: PJCherrin@jfmd.org .
Please share your thoughts online: thejewishnews.com/community . Go
to Local News. Also, see related story: page 18.
Have you studied up on Obama's
health care plan?
248.538.6611
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How much should government
control health care?
January 14 • 2010
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