Federations lobby on health care

Jewish federation officials lobbied in Washington for health care funding and programs.

The fly-in last week, organized by the Jewish Federations of North America, met with Obama administration officials and lawmakers to press for additional funding for Medicaid, the program that provides health care for the poor, and for the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act, or CLASS Act, which is proposed legislation that would establish a voluntary disability insurance program.

“These two initiatives will ensure that those who are the neediest in our nation continue to receive vital health and long-term care services that our movement offers,” said William Daroff, the JFNA’s Washington director.

JFNA also conferred its Leadership Award on two senior Jewish members of the U.S. House of Representatives for helping to steer the Medicaid and Medicare programs. Medicare funds health care for the elderly.

Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.), the chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), who chairs the Energy and Commerce Committee, “are devoted to strengthening these programs for future generations,” Daroff said. “We are honored to continue working with them to help the vulnerable in our communities receive the care they need.”