Health Justice—or Just Money?
State Health Spending, the Insurance Market and the Economic Stimulus Package
A Public Policy Forum for the Faith Community at First United Methodist Church Austin
Speakers include State Representative Mark Strama; Dr. Monya Stubbs, Asst. Professor of New Testament at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary; Jared Wolfe, Executive Director of the Texas Association of Health Plans; and Bee Moorhead, Executive Director of Texas Impact.
For more than 20 years, Texas has had the highest uninsured rate of any state in the country. Our health “safety net” programs are less generous than those of other large states, our health insurance market is less regulated, and our health care infrastructure is less secure.
In every legislative session, lawmakers struggle with competing demands to increase access to health care, limit regulation of the for-profit insurance industry, balance health spending requests with other areas of state spending, and provide incentives for individuals to take care of their own health.
This year, lawmakers face a curve ball: the economic stimulus package and children’s health reauthorization bills Congress just passed include major funding for Texas and other states for health insurance programs. The catch? Most of the money is only temporary, and to get it legislators would have to change state laws and/or provide additional state matching dollars.
Governor Perry opposed the stimulus legislation, but says Texas should get its “fair share.” Legislators have already introduced bills to ensure they have access to all the federal funds available even if the Governor balks.
• Should Texas draw all available federal funds to provide health insurance—even if we have to spend extra state dollars or change insurance laws?
• Is the economic downturn the right time to talk about reforming the health insurance market?
• Are there principles of economic justice that are helpful in the conversation?
Join the Social Justice Committee of First United Methodist Church and Texas Impact for a conversation with the experts.
First United Methodist Church of Austin Family Life Center
1300 Lavaca Street, Austin
Sunday, March 8, 2009
2:30 to 4:00pm
For more information call 512.472.3903 or email brooks@civtrial.com
This nonpartisan educational event is free and open to the public.
