Backed by some of the most powerful members of the Senate, a little-noticed provision in the healthcare overhaul bill would require insurers to consider covering Christian Science prayer treatments as medical expenses.
The provision was inserted by Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) with the support of Democratic Sens. John F. Kerry and the late Edward M. Kennedy, both of Massachusetts, home to the headquarters of the Church of Christ, Scientist.
It would have a minor effect on the overall cost of the bill -- Christian Science is a small church, and the prayer treatments can cost as little as $20 a day. But it has nevertheless stirred an intense controversy over the constitutional separation of church and state, and the possibility that other churches might seek reimbursements for so-called spiritual healing.
"I think when Congress mandates that health companies provide coverage for prayer, it has the effect of the government advancing religion..."
What do you think?
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-na-health-religion3-2009nov03,0,223990...
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- DeliaTheArtist
- added this
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Hmm.. that one is a bit more complex.. I'm sitting on the fence.
"I think when Congress mandates that health companies provide coverage for prayer, it has the effect of the government advancing religion..."
I dont agree with that statement tho. It wouldn't be advancing religion as much as just respecting thier beliefs and including thier form of "medicine". Just as much as religious holidays are recognized. No harm there.
Part of me says let them do it. I feel like if they don't then that could be a form of discrimination. Whatever heals, heals. Although I believe that God would rather they go see a doctor...
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- Atalanda_Cameron
- 29 days ago
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I simply wonder if every other religion's "healing treatments" will be covered by health insurers. Is my wiccan circle covered? My pagan touch healing appointments? My buddhist meditation sessions? My Rastafarian weed ration? I have a feeling they won't be - meaning once again, our American government is giving a pass to Christianity exclusively in our health care bill - a.k.a "making a law respecting an establishment of religion", violating the first amendment.
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- DeliaTheArtist
- 29 days ago
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They are going to charge people money for praying for them? What a racket.
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- GavinTheMother
- 29 days ago
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Kooky. But hey, funding a racist eugenicist organization like Planned Parenthood is in there, so something goofy like this doesn't surprise me. Leave it to a Mormon like Hatch to come up with it....(not that there's anything wrong with being a Mormon....) :)
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- unclecharlie
- 29 days ago
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