Rapid Response: Health Care for America's Children

"The moral test of Government is how that Government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped."  Hubert H. Humphrey (with a nod from every religious leader known to humanity)For many newborns in the U.S. their trip home from the hospital marks the END of their quality health care experience.  Nine million children in the United States are living without health insurance.  Many millions more are living with inadequate insurance.  This means either children go without health care or, if an emergency arises, they are treated in expensive emergency rooms for which their parents cannot hope to pay.We believe quality health care every person's birthright.  Nowhere is this more important than in childhood.Today and tomorrow, our friends from the Children’s Defense Fund and heads of several faith groups are on Capitol Hill visiting with members of Congress to stand with families suffering from our nation’s unjust and inadequate children’s health care system.  They will ask for a comprehensive health coverage for all children in America. We ask you to stand with them and us by signing the petition below. Your signed statement will be sent immediately to your representative and your name will be added to thousands of others who believe that comprehensive health care is not only wise but a right and should be denied to no one. After taking action, we will take you to the Children's Defense Fund website where you can learn more about their work on behalf of children.  There you may sign up to become part of their efforts, including ways your faith group can make a difference.  Television's Mister Rogers used to say that no action taken on behalf of a child - however small it may seem - is ever wasted.  Your signature has power, and we are proud to be able to help you invest that power wisely for others.  Blessings to you as always,Vince IsnerFaithfulAmerica.org Sign this petition and notify:Your Congressperson Your Senators As a person of faith and conscience, I stand with the Children's Defense Fund in holding Congress responsible to take the following moral steps to provide health coverage to all of America's children:- Guarantee comprehensive health and mental health care to every child and pregnant woman in America. - Guarantee a national benefit package in every state to ensure that every child receives all medically necessary services;- Streamline mechanisms for enrollment to ensure that all children and pregnant women are enrolled and stay enrolled;- Allow for reasonable cost-sharing for families based upon their ability to help pay for the cost of coverage and services; and- Ensure adequate provider reimbursement rates so that children actually receive needed services.