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RAC-MA Celebrates Inaugural Campaign Win as Governor Signs the Affordable Homes Act into Law
We are thrilled to share that Governor Healey has officially signed the Affordable Homes Act into law.
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For decades, the Reform Jewish Movement has been at the forefront of advocacy on behalf of universal health care. Millions of Americans live without health insurance, and attacks on the Affordable Care Act and other areas of the health care system have resulted in millions of people without health insurance. The Reform Movement is dedicated to protecting existing health care programs and expanding coverage to all Americans. Guided by our Jewish values, we recognize that comprehensive health care includes physical and mental health, and we believe that health care must be accessible to all people without the threat of discrimination.
Why Should Jews Care?
Judaism is clear about our responsibility to ensure health care for all people. Jewish tradition teaches that human life has infinite value and that the preservation of life supersedes almost all other considerations. As Maimonides, a revered Jewish scholar, teaches,
“it is obligatory from the Torah for the physician to heal the sick” (Commentary on Mishnah Nedarim 4:4).
Furthermore, providing health care is not just an obligation of the doctor, but for society as well. It is for this reason that Maimonides listed health care first on his list of the ten most important communal services a city must offer its residents if the city is to be found worthy for a great scholar to live there (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot De’ot IV:23). As Jews, we believe that the government has an obligation to ensure that all people can access quality, affordable health care.
Take Action
Urge Congress to Make Health Insurance Affordable for All
Several years ago, Congress passed temporary tax credits to lower the cost of Affordable Care Act plans. However, these tax credits are set to expire at the end of 2025, which will cause premiums to skyrocket. Urge Congress to extend premium tax credits to ensure that Americans can afford essential health care.
Urge your member of Congress to Support Mental Health Services in Public Schools
Mental illness affects millions of people, including millions of young people, in the United States each year. Despite this widespread prevalence, mental health is often stigmatized and viewed as less important than physical health. Our government must work to ensure that all people can access mental health care. The public school system is uniquely positioned to help provide mental health services for young people.
What's New
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Why the Biden Administration Must Implement Stronger Nursing Home Staffing Standards
On September 6, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed a new regulation related to federal minimum nursing home staffing standards. Implementation of this regulation would mean that for the first time in history, nursing homes would be subject to a federal minimum staffing standard.
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It’s Time for Congress to Pass a Build Back Better Bill That Expands Health Care
The following blog post is adapted from remarks given by Cantor Jason Kaufman (Beth El Hebrew Congregation, Alexandria, VA) at Keep the Faith, Build Back Better: Prayer Vigil and Fast outside the U.S. Capitol on October 20, 2021.
Related Press Releases
Reform Jewish Leaders Condemn Supreme Court Decision Blocking Medicaid Recipients from Accessing Planned Parenthood
In response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch and Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner released the following statement.
Reform Movement Leaders Denounce Ruling in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine et al. v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration et al.
“We denounce the decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine et al. v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordering the FDA to stay its approval of mifepristone, which could remove mifepristone from the market nationwide."
Reform Jewish Leader Celebrates Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act
In response to Senate and House passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (H.R. 5376), Barbara Weinstein, Director of the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism, released the following statement on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and the wider Reform Movement institutions.
Related Issues
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Quality, Affordable Health Care
The Reform Movement is committed to protecting existing health care programs such as the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program while simultaneously expanding health care coverage to all.
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Discrimination in Health Care
All people should be able to access health care without fear of discrimination. However, the Trump administration has proposed multiple policies to repeal critical civil rights protections from the Affordable Care Act and taxpayer-funded health care and social service programs.
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Mental Health
Despite the widespread prevalence of mental illness, many people are still unable to access care, with an average delay of 11 years between the onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment. We are working to ensure our society recognizes that mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, and to urge our government ensures that all people have access to mental health care.
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Reform Judaism's Resolutions on Health Care
Learn more about the position of the Reform Movement on these key issues, and read the formal resolutions by URJ and CCAR.
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Every Voice, Every Vote
The Reform Jewish Movement’s Every Voice, Every Vote Campaign is a nonpartisan effort, grounded in our Jewish values and commitment to racial justice, to strengthen our democracy by encouraging and protecting voter participation.
Engage Your Congregation
Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, please know that you are not alone. Here is a list of national hotlines, crisis resources, and Jewish community resources for people experiencing mental illness.
Contact our Legislative Assistants
For more information on this issue, contact Sari Rosenberg.
What our Partners are Doing
Alongside NETWORK Catholic Lobby for Social Justice, the RAC co-chairs the Washington Interreligious Staff Community Health Care Working Group. This group works on U.S. health care policy including Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP and the Affordable Care Act. Our work encompasses protection of existing health care safety net programs and supporting legislation that increases access to quality, affordable health care.
RAC Email Sign Up
Learn more about the RAC's key issues and get involved by signing up for the legislative updates newsletter.
Consultation on Conscience
Join us in Washington DC December 12-15. Engage in learning, leadership, and advocacy, culminating in a Capitol Hill Lobby Day.
