The Secular Coalition for America is thrilled that the House of Representatives has decided to remove language found in all three draft bills that would require private and public plans to cover the spiritual care of individuals with religious objections to medical care.
Today the House released their version of the health care reform bill that did not include language requiring private and public health plans to cover spiritual care for any person. This "spiritual care" includes reimbursements for payments that Christian Scientists make to members of the Church who pray for them when they are ill.
“Requiring American taxpayers to reimburse Christian Scientists and other religious sects that deny themselves and their children necessary medical care would have been incredibly unethical in addition to a violation of church state separation, said Sean Faircloth, Executive Director of the Secular Coalition. “I am thrilled that the House of Representatives has chosen to remove language that would have required Americans to foot the bill for religion-based care. Their actions demonstrate that common sense secular values are being heard in the halls of Congress.”
If this language had been included, tax payers would be forced to help foot the bill for this religion-based “care” – “care” offering no scientific evidence of effectiveness. "Care" which, in fact, endangers lives by placing government approval on non-scientific practices.
Comments
Everyone should convey their gratitude to the House for this possibly rare common sense decision. It's a small real step toward real separation of church and state.
We might have to address one gray area,however.The bill must be clear that the patients will be denied coverage ONLY when they reject medical care recommended by MAJORITY of medical professionals.However,we must make sure that the bill does not deny ALL "spiritual care",because many doctors will prescribe spiritual care for the treatment of afflictions like alcoholism, + drug addiction.Even many agnostic/atheist medical professionals advocate this approach, although they may not fully understand why it works.
For instance, 30-day rehab programs send patients to A.A. as a primary part of treatment which is a "spiritual solution." (w/ restrictions, of course, coverage limited to 30-days,would not cover lifetime of putting a buck in the basket at meetings).Point is that insurance should cover spiritual care when a majority of medical professionals agree its the best solution.
Dang... this sucks. I had a whole business plan written up, involving witch doctors, drums, loin cloths, anklets with jingle bells on them, amulets, bundles of smoking herbs to wave around, chanting, painted faces, packets of chicken bones to shake... now it's all for naught. There was even a plan to force admittance into hospitals' chaplaincy departments, based on the legislative precedent. Proposals to insurance companies already written. [Sigh] All for nothing. Drat.
"Point is that insurance should cover spiritual care when a majority of medical professionals agree its the best solution."
The evidence indicates AA (and other 12 step programs) are no more effective then going cold turkey.
Arthur...what evidence? You really think most alcoholics can just go cold turkey? You're ignorant to the reality of drug and alcohol problems sir. And AA is not the spiritual care that medical professionals would suggest in this case because it's not something you pay for. Anonymous was speaking of rehab centers and many of those are affiliated with Christian and spiritual organizations. And yes, they do have great success.
And where does this line in the bill relate to the thousands and thousands of hospitals who are owned and operated by the Catholic Services and the Baptist Healthcare centers? We aren't allowed to seek care there? And does that mean if a hospital has a Chaplain that they have to get rid of them or they won't get gov't money? Again, a blurred line, not well written policy being shoved down our throats...Something is NOT better than nothing.
FYI MZ Hoaks - when you click on NEXT in your articles and/or PREVIOUS - it takes you through 4 different articles only. The same four over and over. Something is wrong with their linking process on this webpage this morning.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!