Caring for every temple of God

There is much currently being said of The Affordable Health Care Act. In the last few weeks the House of Representatives voted to repeal the Act. Later the Senate rejected that act of the House. Currently several states have challenged the constitutionality of the Act in regard to requiring all US citizens to purchase health insurance.

In the second reading, St. Paul tells us that our bodies “are the temple of God,” and “God dwells within” (us). What does that mean? For one thing, we have a responsibility to take care of “our temple”; our physical health is important to God. Thus, we have an obligation to live a healthy lifestyle, and we need adequate health care.

In today’s first reading, God tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Loving our neighbors includes making sure they are adequately provided for. Think of all of us as the knots in a fishing net. The net is only as strong as its weakest knot. If there are missing knots, the net will not work. So is health care a right or a privilege? I believe it is a right, which is recognized by every other industrialized country in the world, except the United States.

Why is health care such an important issue? Depending on the source, Americans on average pay $1.00 out of every $7.00 per person for heath care. That is 16-17% of all the money we spend. By 2020 it will rise to $1.00 out of every $5.00. At this rate, we will pay 100% of our income for health care by 2050!! How do other countries afford universal care? They generally spend about $1.00 out of $10.00 for complete health care. Why do we pay so much more? It is alleged that we have the best care in the world, BUT only if you can afford it. To make matters worse, by every measurement, we do not live as long; we have a higher infant mortality rate, and epidemics of Type II diabetes and obesity.

Over my many years as a physician, I’ve observed firsthand the many reasons for our expensive health care. I wish I had more space to list them! One example might help. We have less than 5% of the world’s population and collectively spend 47% of the world’s outlay on prescription drugs. In West Virginia the average person takes 18 prescription drugs – the most in the nation. We are one out of two countries allowing TV advertising of drugs. Worse yet, that issue hasn’t even been addressed in the new law, although other issues to rein in costs are being addressed. It’s at least a start.

Bishop Bransfield recognizes the problem of health care in West Virginia and has instituted a diocesan wide program to respond to this need. Taking care of each other is what Christ told us to do.

Richard M. Iammarino, MD is a member of St. John’s.

Question of the Week:
Do you agree that health care should be provided for all by the government? If not, what model would you propose, based on the Biblical commands to love our neighbors as ourselves and provide for orphans and widows?