When Emily’s son was born prematurely, they learned his low birth weight qualified them to apply for Medicaid to help cover the cost of the extended hospital stay. With worries about cost eased, they could focus on the health of their baby. Like any parent desires for their child, Medicaid helped to give him the brightest future possible.
DID YOU KNOW?
- One in five people are covered by Medicaid
- Medicaid covers nearly half of all children
- Medicaid pays for 41% of all births
- 5 out of every 8 nursing home residents are covered by Medicaid
“The Lord has told us what is good. What is required of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.” (GNT, Micah 6:8)
This well-known prophecy speaks to our universal longing for justice and love, offering a perspective that transcends the secular approach. While human nature often creates social hierarchies that favor the powerful, God's nature is to walk alongside and uplift those who are powerless. Believing that we are made in God's image means we are called to support those who are less strong and less powerful. Because God walks with us, shows us mercy, and loves us unconditionally, we are called to do the same. Programs like Medicaid embody our collective commitment to the common good, solidarity, and the preferential option for those who are poor and vulnerable.
- In what ways does Medicaid make human flourishing possible in your own community?
- How can we continue to advocate for Medicaid to ensure that it remains a lifeline for individuals, families, and communities?
Let us pray—
Merciful God:
By our very existence, You declare us worthy of love and care. Make Your presence known to us so that, through Your love and care, our hearts and minds may more closely align with yours. May our actions on behalf of justice, walking with those in need and advocating for the vulnerable, continue to make visible Your Kingdom on earth.
AMEN.