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Understanding Healthcare
Responsible nations should always take a reasonable interest in the safety and security of their citizens, which is why services like first responders, the 911 hotline, and the U.S. National Guard are funded by the government. However, many in today’s society believe that a right to healthcare should be included in that list—a fundamental right afforded to every American. While America’s Founders did not include a right to healthcare in the U.S. Constitution, as they believed in limiting government to only its essential functions, many now disagree. Understanding healthcare—and where the candidates on your ballot align—is essential to voting wisely.
Where does the Bible stand?
The Bible admonishes us to consider the plight of the poor. We cannot ignore them and their needs. Proverbs 28:27 says, “Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.”
The poor deserve our consideration and compassion. James 2:15-16 says, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”
On the other hand, we are admonished against laziness and neglect and should be concerned about a welfare system that often enables bad habits that lead to poverty. Proverbs 6:6 says, “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.” We should also be concerned about a welfare system that rewards idleness and poor work habits. In the New Testament, Paul issued this command in 1 Thessalonians 3:10, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”
Paul also provides instruction to take care of extended family “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God” (1 Timothy 5:4). He goes on to warn those who do not provide for their families, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).
"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Timothy 5:8 ESV).
Where do the parties stand?
REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM
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Republicans
will “Fight for and protect Social Security and Medicare with no cuts,
including no changes to the retirement age.” (pg. 7)
- "We commit to reducing Housing, Education, and Healthcare costs, while lowering everyday expenses, and increasing opportunities." (pg. 14)
- "Healthcare and prescription drug costs are out of control. Republicans will increase transparency, promote Choice and Competition, and expand access to new Affordable Healthcare and prescription drug options. We will protect Medicare, and ensure Seniors receive the care they need without being burdened by excessive costs." (pg. 15)
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"Republicans will protect Medicare’s finances from being
financially crushed by the Democrat plan to add tens of millions of new illegal
immigrants to the rolls of Medicare. We vow to strengthen Medicare for future
generations." (pg. 16)
- "Republicans will support increased focus on Chronic Disease prevention and management, Long-Term Care, and Benefit flexibility. We will expand access to Primary Care and support Policies that help Seniors remain in their homes and maintain Financial Security." (pg. 16)
- "Republicans will shift resources back to at-home Senior Care, overturn disincentives that lead to Care Worker shortages, and support unpaid Family Caregivers through Tax Credits and reduced red tape." (pg. 17)
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"We will restore Trump Administration reforms to expand
Veterans’ Healthcare Choices, protect Whistleblowers, and hold accountable
poorly performing employees not giving our Veterans the care they deserve." (pg.
19)
DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM
- "We’ll never quit fighting to protect and expand the Affordable Care Act, making quality care more accessible and affordable . . ." (pg. 18)
- ". . . We support Medicaid expansion, encouraging states to provide health coverage to low-income Americans on the federal government’s tab. The Administration has helped over a million people in four states to enroll; and we’ll keep pushing Congress to further expand Medicaid-like coverage . . ." (pg. 18)
- "Democrats provided funding to forgive $7 billion in medical debt for nearly 3 million Americans; and the Administration is urging states to use remaining funds to do more." (pg. 19)
- "And the Administration is cracking down on federally funded health care providers that turn away or otherwise discriminate against people on the basis of race, sex, age, national origin, or disability." (pg. 18)
- "Democrats also support the Administration’s historic work to close fundamental gaps in women’s health care, including by protecting access to reproductive health care." (pg. 19)
- "We’ll also keep pushing to improve pay and benefits for care workers, for example by fighting to get many of them a bigger share of Medicaid home care payments." (pg. 21)
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"And, because the gun violence epidemic is a public health
crisis, we will fund gun violence research across the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) as well as community
violence interventions. (pg. 40)
"
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Democrats have “also built on the Affordable Care Act to
make a broader range of contraceptives available to women at no cost through
their health insurance. The Administration has boosted access to free and
low-cost services through the Title X family planning program, and expanded
access to birth control for service members and through the VA.” (pg. 49-50)
- "The Administration is combating the dangerous and cruel practice of so-called 'conversion therapy . . .', and have invested in supporting LGBTQI+ youth mental health." (pg. 57)
Where do the candidates stand?
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