Right of all Individuals to Comprehensive Health Care

[From: General Convention (A010) and (A099) Resolution, 1991]

Resolved,  the House of Deputies concurring,  That this 70th general Convention assert the right of all individuals to medically necessary health care,  including long-term services;  and be it further

Resolved,  That the Episcopal Church be encouraged at all levels to advocate for legislation for comprehensive medical benefits to include diagnostic tests,  primary and tertiary care for acute and chronic conditions,  rehabilitation care,  long-term care, mental health services, dental care and prescriptions drugs;  special attention should be given  to the needs of individuals with limited self-care capabilities;  and be it further

Resolved,  that the Washington Office of the Episcopal Church, the  Public Policy Network,  the Office of Social and Specialized Ministries,  and other appropriate agencies at the Episcopal Church Center facilitate the implementation of this resolution at the federal level.

EXPLANATION

It is the recommendation of the Joint Commission on AIDS that the following principles be the foundation of this Church's position on comprehensive health Care:

1. The health and well-being of individuals is directly related to their ability to obtain necessary medical care and health-related support services for emergency, chronic and long-term conditions,  and equal access should be guaranteed regardless of race, economic or employment status and be extended to those who are incarcerated.
2. The integration of long-term care services with comprehensive health coverage is cost effective, protects persons with disabilities from being impoverished, especially by the cost of nursing facility care, and allows maximum independence for those who can remain safely at home.
3. The lack of access to health care results in unnecessary pain and suffering and leads to overuse of expensive emergency facilities.
4. All persons, including children, low income working persons, unemployed, underemployed, uninsured and underinsured persons,  and persons with physical or mental disabilities and chronic conditions should have access to health care, including long term care, regardless of their ability to pay.
5. Every person has the right to choose limits of medical care and to decide upon the extent of technological intervention, which he or she may desire to preserve or prolong his or her own biological life.

NOTE:  This resolution and explanation is offered from the perspective of the Joint Commission on AIDS to complement similar legislation, which may be proposed by the Standing Commission on Health.

Universal Health Care Delivery system for the U.S.

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, that the 70th General Convention, decries the inequitable health care delivery system of the United States of America and calls upon the President, the congress, governors and other leaders to devise a system of universal access for the people for our country.