On June 26, 2009, the Twenty-Seventh UCC General Synod passed a resolution calling for advocacy in support for Health Care For All, as in H. R. 676. 

H. R. 676 (Improved and Expanded Medicare for All) is a bill introduced by Congressman John Conyers of Michigan to create a single-payer, publicly financed, privately delivered universal health care system.  Its goal is to cover all Americans without charging co-pays or deductibles and guarantees access to the highest quality and most affordable healthcare services regardless of employment, ability to pay or pre-existing health conditions.

While the United Church of Christ is now on record as in support of this plan, and while we believe that H. R. 676 is the plan that best embrace the moral and justice imperatives to transform our broken health care system, we recognize that lawmakers are considering other plans for implementation.  Therefore, the United Church of Christ will affirm its support for the inclusion of a robust public health option that includes the following principles: 1) Universal – it covers all persons; 2) Is affordable for all; 3) provides comprehensive benefits; 4) offers a choice of physicians and other health providers; 5) eliminates racial, ethnic and all other disparities for health care; and 6) waives pre-existing health conditions and does not further impose financial barriers to health care.

The United Church of Christ goes on record now in advocating for and supporting legislation to be passed by the fall of 2009 by the 111th Congress and its signing by the President of the United States which meets the above principles.

The President and Congress need to hear from you today!  The House bill is expected to be completed by the end of July and the Senate will follow.  Please call your lawmaker today and express the urgency that we need a strong public health option that includes the principles listed above.  Call Toll Free TODAY!  1-8888-797-8717.