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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Health Care

HealthCare

Health care policy must protect human life and dignity, not threaten them, especially for the most voiceless and vulnerable.6

The Catholic Church has spoken in favor of health care access for nearly 100 years, first becoming active on the issue as far back as 1919. The social doctrine of the Church considers health care a basic human right, one that is necessary for the proper development of life and important for full human dignity. Significant reform and expansion of the state Medicaid program in 2013 has given a greater number of low-income citizens health care access that might have otherwise been unattainable.

The creation of MNSure (Minnesota’s implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act) will allow some 450,000 previously uninsured residents to qualify for a health plan. The plan grants participants access to 10 essential health benefits, including emergency services, maternity and newborn care, prescription drugs and pediatric services. Minnesota has also taken advantage of the ACA by transitioning MinnesotaCare into the creation of a basic health plan. The Minnesota Catholic Conference played a key role in the creation of MinnesotaCare, and the changes to the program expand coverage and enhance benefits to low-income adults and lawful immigrants who do not qualify for Medicaid.

The creation of the ACA has increased access to health care for many; yet, the implementation of the act has also created significant concerns for religious liberty through the administration’s HHS contraception mandate. And the act still does not create access to health care for undocumented persons. Going forward, it is important to ensure that health care access is affordable to all, that health care does not violate the sanctity of life, and that religious groups maintain their right to offer health benefits that are consistent with their mission and principles.

  • Where does the candidate stand on promoting policies that increase access to affordable health care for low- and moderate-income individuals and families?
  • Where does the candidate stand on allowing religious groups, closely-held businesses and individuals to be able to provide health care without compromising their religious convictions?

 

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