health insurance
45,000 Deaths Due to Lack of Health Insurance
NEW: Download a bulletin insert about this issue
A recent Harvard study entitled Health Insurance and Mortality in US Adults by Wilpner, et al. found that almost 45,000 people die prematurely every year because they do not have health insurance. 4,675 of those untimely deaths occured in Texas.
The study also found that the uninsured are more likely to die prematurely than the privately insured because those with health insurance are able to get care when they need it, have a regular source of care, and receive continuity of coverage. The uninsured are more likely to go without needed care and more likely to use the emergency room for medical problems that could have been prevented.
As people of faith we continue to remember those who have needlessly died as we work toward achieving healthcare reform that mirrors God's vision of abundant life. To show your support for healthcare reform that is inclusive, accessible, affordable, and accountable, visit the Faithful Reform in Health Care website and sign their Faith-Inspired Vision of Health Care petition.
On October 20th, people of faith from across the nation will come together in a National Day of Remembrance and Hope. FIND OUT MORE
Amid Health Care Debate, Texas Continues to Lead Nation in Uninsured
As the debate about how to fix America’s broken health care system rages on, Texas
hangs in a more precarious position than any other state. According to a report released last week by the Census Bureau, Texas has the highest rate of uninsured people in the nation, with more than 25 percent of Texans living without health insurance. In other words, of the 46 million people in America who are uninsured, 13 percent of them live in Texas despite the fact that the state makes up only 7 percent of the county’s population.
The numbers make clear the importance of the current health care debate, as the question of whether Congress is able to pass meaningful health care reform will have deep implications in our state. Texas Impact and others in the faith community have been working to bring about the necessary changes to ensure accessible and affordable health care, and you can catch up with the resources included below.
Evaluating the Health Reform Bills from a Faith Perspective
Conference Call with President Obama and Faith Community
Faith and Health Care Reform: Conference Call With Jackson Day & Jack Glaser
If you are ready to take action, call your representatives in Congress [click here to find your legislators in DC], write a letter to the editor of your local paper, sign the Faith Inspired Vision Statement, or get in touch with Texas Impact staff for more ideas on how to get involved.
