Jewish groups lining up with Obama on health care measures

[HopeOverFear]

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- As the health care reform debate heats up, Jewish organizations are siding with the Obama administration on several key points, including the creation of a government-run public insurance option and pushing for measures that would help the rapidly aging Jewish community.

Obama says he backs a public option as vital to expanding access to health care and controlling costs. Many Republicans vehemently oppose the idea, saying it would distort the private marketplace and potentially put insurance companies out of business.

Several major Jewish organizations -- including the United Jewish Communities, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and B'nai B'rith International -- favor the public option and have embraced the White House's general focus on adopting a comprehensive plan that provides affordable and accessible coverage for all Americans, especially those with low incomes.

Health care reform “is such a core issue -- a huge, huge priority in the Jewish community,” said Hadar Susskind, the Washington director of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, a public policy umbrella group bringing together the synagogue movements, several national organizations and local Jewish communities across North America.

In addition to weighing in on general principles, the JCPA and the United Jewish Communities, the North American arm of the federation system, are focusing their efforts on the CLASS (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports) Act, which would set up a government-run disability insurance system for adults with long-term health care needs.

[rockymountaindem]

1. Good to know

Thanks for posting :hi:

[Cha]

2. Rec'd~ It only makes

sense and the Grassrootier the better!