Testimony for SB323 COPA

Mr. Chairman and members of the committee:  For the record my name is Moe Wosepka, I currently serve as Executive Director of the Montana Catholic Conference.  The Montana Catholic Conference is the public policy arm for the two Catholic Bishops in Montana.  There are over 140,000 Catholics in the two Dioceses statewide. 

For the past 10 years I worked for Good Samaritan Ministries in Helena.  Our ministry was to the poor and homeless, the forgotten in our nursing homes, and the ignored in our prisons and jails.  It is from this perspective that I speak to you today. 

This group probably more than others suffers from health concerns.  The question arises with many of these families.  Are they poor because they have health problems, or do they have health problems because they are poor?

I think to a degree the answer to both questions is yes.  It was evident to me in my work, that low-income persons have significantly greater health problems. Although this is not the point of the bill, it does lead us to what bill addresses.

Our Catholic Church takes seriously their commitment to the least amongst us, and the health care they need without regard to his or her ability to pay. 

Our non-profit hospitals provide for those in charity care as part of their status.  Elimination of the COPA would help Benefis Healthcare meet those needs.  Let me introduce two letters, one from Fr Jay Peterson, who serves as administrator of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, and Sister Maryann Benoit.

Contact information:  Moe Wosepka, Executive Director Montana Catholic Conference, 1301 11th Ave, Helena, Mt.   Phone 442-5761.