But if we hope for what is still unseen by us, we wait for it with patience and composure. (Romans 8: 25)
There are several items to report on this week:
Faith Sign-On Letter: Add your voice to those calling on Congress to keep working on health care reform. Faithful Reform in Health Care is taking individual and organizational signatures through next Friday, Feb. 19.
New Poll: A new Washington Post/ABC poll shows that 63% of Americans want Congress to keep working on health care reform. This includes 88% of Democrats, 56% of Independents, and 42% of Republicans.
Summit: Before the Super Bowl on Sunday, President Obama announced a bipartisan summit on health care to take place on February 25. Republican leaders are urging the president to start “by shelving the current health spending bill.” Read more.
California HMO raises premiums 39%: As another stark reminder of why health care reform is needed, Anthem Blue Cross announced they will raise rates by as much as 39% for individual policies.
Insurance Industry Reports Record Profits: At the same time premiums are being hiked and millions are losing insurance, the biggest health insurance companies increased their profits by 56% in 2009.
No Anti-Trust Vote: Due to blizzard conditions the nation’s capital, the House of Representatives postponed the vote to repeal the anti-trust exemption for health insurance companies. The vote will likely take place when the House returns from recess the week of Feb. 22.
Hospitals worried about rising costs: For hospitals, the cost of doing nothing means they will continue to foot the bill for uncompensated care – and pass those costs onto those with insurance.
For additional resources on health care reform, visit the Abundant Life health care page.
