Healthcare Bill and Being Our Brothers' Keeper

Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Proverbs 31:8-9

Amidst shouts of “baby killer” and “fire Nancy Pelosi”, the healthcare bill was passed. Many realize healthcare reform was necessary. Poor people were unable to gain access to health care when they needed it. Other people were losing their jobs and health insurance. Self-employed people could not afford the outrageous fees for health insurance. Something needed to be done sooner rather than later.

Whether the health care reform passed or not, most folks felt more had to be done. However, now people are left asking how poor people will afford the mandatory insurance premiums mentioned in the healthcare bill. While subsidies are supposed to be offered to those families earning $88,000 or less, nobody seems to be quite sure what that will mean.

Does the healthcare bill truly address the needs of the poor and needy? Are we happy with what is presented to us and will it really do what is intended...ensure adequate health care for everyone? Struggling citizens dread possible IRS penalties imposed on those who do not or cannot afford to pay a single month's insurance premium. Is this a solution?

If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

Proverbs 22:27

Whether you agree with the healthcare bill or not, we are all responsible for each other. We need to stand up for what we each think is right to ensure the proper care of our brothers and sisters. If there are flaws, everyone has to make them clear. Continue to state what is needed to provide for those who cannot afford it.

[There is] none to plead they cause, that thou mayest be bound up; thou hast no healing medicines.

Jeremiah 30-13

I have always been employed but did not always have health insurance. My mother worked in private industry and my dad worked in the public sector. Both always had health insurance. When I entered the job market two decades later, they were shocked employers did not have to provide health insurance. Now it is legally the responsibility of the people themselves. Is this what we were looking for?

[Is there] no balm in Gilead; [is there] no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

Jeremiah 8:22

People are also concerned about healthcare standards. We already know the “haves” get much better health care. Will the healthcare bill change that? Will we still be subject to substandard medical treatment while paying mandated premiums?

Whether we agree with the healthcare bill or not, action needs to be taken. I personally suffered several times as a result of inadequate or nonexistent health insurance. If the healthcare bill does not cover the needs of the people, we all must speak up...even if it does not “affect us”.

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please [his] neighbour for [his] good to edification.

Romans 15:1-2

I spoke to an acquaintance who opposed any type of healthcare reform because “he has his and doesn't want to pay for everyone else.” I was upset. If we are fortunate to have what we need, it is time to bear the infirmities of the weak. But what if we feel the heathcare bill is not doing this?

If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not they place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

Ecclesiastes 10:4

Amidst the din about the health care bill, there is no room for insults or hiding. We need to stand strong about what we need...adequate and affordable health care for everyone with choices rather than penalties. Nothing less is acceptable. Even if we are taking baby steps toward this goal, progress is good.

Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

1 John 3:16-19