Catholic social teaching principles help guide us in considering the issue of healthcare:   
Respect for Life and Dignity of the Human Person challenges us to work to make sure that all members of society have access to adequate healthcare so all God’s children can reach their full potential. 
Option for the Poor demands that we shape healthcare to be comprehensive and that we care for those who live in poverty and near poverty. 
Workers’ Rights demand that all workers have benefits that include paid sick leave as well as insurance to cover basic medical needs and preventive care. 
To promote the Common Good, we must be faithful citizens who understand the need for a fair and just healthcare system and to recognize how such a system will benefit our entire society. 
Solidarity and Community Participation demand that we make our voices heard in the debate over any proposed new health legislation and challenge us to be in communication with our representatives so they know that we, as people of faith, support full health coverage for everyone and work with organizations and groups dedicated to healthcare. 
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states (#2211) “The state has a duty” to ensure “the right to medical care.”  Catholic social teaching reminds us we have the duty to make sure the state fulfills this responsibility. 
Pope Francis, in April 2016, stated, “Healthcare is not a consumer good but a universal right, so access to health services cannot be a privilege.”