Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well." Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. (Matthew 9:20-22)

The healing story in Matthew describes a woman who had suffered from hemorrhages for twelve years. Aside from her physical suffering, the woman was also likely a pariah in society, an outcast, unable to marry or have a family or be a part of community life. Like a sick child watching her friends play through a bedroom window, she was missing out on some of the best parts of life, unable to enjoy the gift of humanity because her human body was broken.

This story plays out again and again today--but not always with such a hopeful ending. According to a recent study by Harvard Medical School <http://www.harvardscience.harvard.edu/medicine-health/articles/new-study-finds-45000-deaths-annually-linked-lack-health-coverage>, 45,000 people die each year due to lack of health insurance. Millions more suffer every day due to lack of access to adequate health care.

And the suffering doesn't end with the physical pain. Next come the calls from collection agencies, or the choice between food and much-needed medication for a loved one. Even middle-class families can quickly be driven to bankruptcy by one serious illness.

In an instant, Jesus changed the life of the suffering woman in Matthew. By healing her body he restored to her the fullness of life.

When looking at the health care reform proposals currently before Congress, Christians should ask how they will help those like the woman who touched Jesus' cloak. Over the past few months, many have claimed that the proposals on the table are a government takeover of health care. Far from it. In fact, there is valid reason to believe that the plans don't go far enough.

Perhaps because of an American fear of "socialized medicine," all of the health reform bills build upon the current system of private insurers. This will mean more complex rules and regulations for determining who qualifies for what subsidies and who has to pay how much in penalties. Anyone who has applied for public health care assistance--or public assistance of any kind--can tell you that it is a cumbersome, lengthy process. The state agencies who run these programs are already overtaxed and understaffed.

Had there been enough support in Congress for something more akin to a single payer system, the result would be much less complex and, arguably, cost much less (in terms of overall health care costs) than the current proposals. And it would cover everyone.

So, for all the voices saying, "Wait, this is going too far," perhaps there should be more shouting, "Not far enough!" As legislation moves forward, it will be crucial for people of faith and conscience to make their voices heard.

Life is hard enough for those who are sick or recovering from injury. Rather than piling on the stress of medical bills and endless paperwork, we should be doing everything we can to help ease their burden. Be part of the miracle of healing; be part of the push for positive health care reform.

Visit <http://washington.mcc.org/life> for background, worship, and advocacy resources on health care reform.