The number of uninsured individuals in our nation continues to grow, currently standing at nearly 47 million. Nearly 9 million children are uninsured, with the vast majority residing in a household headed by a working adult.

The consequences of being uninsured are significant. This is particularly true for children, who are less likely to receive treatment for common childhood illnesses. Both uninsured adults and children are less likely to receive preventive care, while uninsured patients are up to four times as likely as insured patients to require both avoidable hospitalizations and emergency hospital care.

Our mission, in accordance with Catholic social teaching and values, calls us to serve as advocates for all, particularly the poor and other vulnerable populations. We believe that health care is a basic human right. To that end, health care should be considered an essential building block for a just and free society, just as education is. As the Catholic health ministry, we are committed to moving the nation toward a more just and equitable health care system that ensures health care for all.

We continue to urge Congress and the administration to come together to develop a series of approaches to end the national disgrace of the uninsured once and for all, and provide these individuals with the health care they deserve. For more information about CHA's position and activities on this issue, see Accessible and Affordable Health Care for Everyone.