Health Care Reform

Answers to frequently asked questions about the new Health Care reform law and the U.S. Bishops (Prepared by Christopher Dodson, Executive Director, North Dakota Catholic Conference).

See the PDF consisting FAQs here.

DATE: February 24, 2010
FROM: Don Clemmer
 
O: 202-541-3206
M: 260-580-1137
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
BISHOPS CALL FOR BIPARTISAN ACTION TO ADVANCE HEALTH CARE REFORM THAT PROTECTS HUMAN LIFE AND DIGNITY
 
WASHINGTON—On the eve of the White House Health Care Summit, the U.S. Bishops urged Congressional leaders “to commit themselves to enacting genuine health care reform that will protect the life, dignity, consciences and health of all.” In their February 24 letter to Congressional leadership, the bishops also cited their longtime support of adequate and affordable health care for all, calling health care a basic human right. Read more...

DATE: January 26, 2010 Read more...

TO:    Members of the News Media
 
FROM:   USCCB Office of Media Relations
 
DATE:    December 16, 2009
 
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has made available a side-by-side comparison of the language of the Hyde Amendment, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and the proposed Nelson/Hatch/Casey Amendment. The resource can be found online at: http://www.usccb.org/healthcare/hyde-s-by-s-landscape--AP-Marks.pdf.
  Read more...

DATE: December 15, 2009
FROM: Sr. Mary Ann Walsh
 
O: 202-541-3200
H: 301-587-4762 Read more...

DATE: December 9, 2009
FROM: Don Clemmer
O: 202-541-3206
M: 260-580-1137
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bishops Call Vote a Grave Mistake and Serious Blow to Genuine Reform
Say the Senate Should Not Support Bill in its Current Form
Hope That House Provisions on Abortion Funding Prevail
 
BISHOPS DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED BY SENATE VOTE TO TABLE NELSON-HATCH-CASEY AMENDMENT Read more...

With several committees in both the House and Senate wrapping up their versions of health care insurance reform, the debate now moves to the floor of each body.  It is one of the most critical times in this process, and one in which Catholics and other people of faith can have a significant influence.  In a statement issued this week, Bishop Stephen Blaire of Stockton, President of the California Catholic Conference, reiterated the main concerns of Catholics across the United States.  Read more...

DATE: August 14, 2009
FROM: Don Clemmer
 
O: 202-541-3206
M: 260-580-1137     
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
U.S. BISHOPS LAUNCH WEB SITE ON HEALTH CARE REFORM, THEIR POSITION AND CONCERNS
 
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) launched a Web page promoting its support of “truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity.” The page,www.usccb.org/healthcare, includes letters from bishops to Congress, videos, facts and statistics, frequently asked questions, and links for contacting members of Congress. Read more...

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will host a conference call on the issue of health care reform on Monday, November 23, at 3 p.m.
 
Members of the USCCB staff will present the U.S. bishops’ position on health care reform with special emphasis on the areas of affordability, abortion and immigration and will also be available for questions.
 
Media interested in participating in the call should send an e-mail to media-relations@usccb.org for the number and participant code.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
U.S. BISHOPS URGE SENATORS TO SUPPORT NELSON-HATCH-CASEY AMENDMENT ON HEALTH CARE REFORM; URGE CONSTITUENTS TO BACK IT
 
Amendment precludes use of federal dollars for elective abortion coverage
Bishops want Stupak-style House amendment included in Senate bill
Oppose making people pay for other people’s abortions
 
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops have voiced support for the Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment to the Senate health reform bill and have asked voters to back it. Read more...