Access to Medical Care is a Justice Issue
In January 2026, an estimated 4.8 to 5 million Americans will no longer be able to maintain health insurance because the Affordable Care Act was damaged by the failure to extend insurance subsidies after December 31, 2025. People’s loss of medical insurance reminded me of a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who shared at a 1966 press conference for the Medical Committee for Human Rights. Dr. King stated, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhuman.” Dr. King addressed the Medical Committee for Human Rights to help them recognize the unequal medical care faced by African Americans in all parts of the country.
Sadly, people with low incomes and people of color continue to suffer at a higher rate from the lack of health care insurance, which continues to cause suffering. For people of faith, we cannot deny God’s commitment to justice, found in both the Old and New Testaments. The books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and the Psalms all confirm that “Justice is a chief attribute of God, who is just.” Psalm 76:8-9 conveys who God expects to receive justice. “From the heavens you uttered judgment; the earth feared and was still when God rose up to establish judgment, to save all the oppressed of the earth.” Likewise, the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:8-10, presents God’s grace through the believers to the needy.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has three primary goals. First, “Make affordable health insurance available to more people.” Second, to “Expand Medicaid to cover all adults with income below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.” Third, “Support innovative medical care delivery methods designed to lower the costs of health care generally.” The three ACA goals attempt to fulfill the gospel beatitude imperatives by lifting those of low degree and bringing down those of high degree.
The Affordable Care Act, unfortunately, has been politicized, in part because it became known as “Obamacare,” making it unsavory for Republicans. Conservatives also raise concerns that the Affordable Care Act is not affordable and requires raising taxes &/or increasing the Federal Deficit. Yet, not providing affordable medical care has unintended consequences that diminish health care. Further, a lack of medical help is painful and cruel, as people suffer needlessly because they do not have the benefit of health insurance. Recognizing that access to health care is a justice issue is the necessary first step in providing care for those without hope. Early and often painful death due to a lack of medical support is cruel and unjust. God expects more from us, as a nation and a global society.