Insurance Plans Covering Christian Science Care

1. Janiva Toler says:

Thank you for your blog. This is great information for those looking for Christian Science nursing/practitioner benefits.

In my work at Christian Science nursing facilities I have seen reimbursement from all the sources you listed in your blog. In you last category of private insurance plans I see regular payment through:
•Group health – a number of employers cover Christian Science care in company plans.
•Indemnity plans such as AARP Health and SCS pay a fixed rate for in-patient services and in the case of SCS – other services
•Medigap/Medicare Supplement – Medigap policies work in conjunction with Medicare benefits. They generally pay for Christian Science nursing charges that Medicare doesn’t cover (such as deductibles) and when Medicare benefits are exhausted but the patient continues to qualify for Medicare. Most Medigap policies may be used at Christian Science nursing facilities that are Medicare providers.
•HMO (Health Maintenance Organizations) – HMOs do not usually provide Christian Science benefits. Tufts Health Plan in Massachusetts and Rhode Island recently began to offer a Christian Science rider for employer policies covering 50+ employees.

I appreciate your healthcare reform legislation updates/health insurance blogs.

2. Federal Office says:

Janiva, you have provided information that is very helpful to us and to our other readers. We appreciate your contribution in getting this conversation started.

3. Charles H. Perry says:

Since I am not a government employee what private insurance companies provide insurance that cover the needs of a christian scientist and meet the new requirement of federal government in 2014 whereby we are not penalized?

Is the mother church pursueing legal action against the new medical reform act as unconstitutional based on freedom of religion?

Is the mother church looking into providing insurance that meet the 2014 federal government requirements for its members to purchase?

Is the mother church pursueing congress to correct the new medical reformed act to exempt christian scientist?

4. Federal Office says:

Thanks, Charles, for your thoughtful questions. As of right now, we do not know all of the private insurance companies that currently cover Christian Science care and treatment. Part of our hope is that this blog spurs conversation among Christian Scientists who may have experience and knowledge in this regard. The Department of Health and Human Services has yet to determine the exact requirements for insurance plans under the new law, but we are actively working with private insurance companies to encourage the inclusion of spiritual care in these new plans.

In terms of the constitutionality of the law, there are already several lawsuits which have been filed arguing that the insurance mandate infringes on religious freedom. The Church is following these cases carefully and with great interest. The highest publicized case—which addresses the First Amendment issue—is being sponsored by the American Center for Law and Justice.

As we move forward, we would like to work with church members to explore all possible solutions to this new law. In addition to options related to insurance, we are seeking to achieve a legislative accommodation and/or exemption before the health insurance mandate takes effect in 2014. We are committed to pursuing whatever would best support healing and to correcting “impositions on the public in regard to Christian Science.”

5. Susan Early CS says:

Yes ACLU is actively litigating the First ammendment rights of all of us to insure our religeous freedom.

They seem to work mainly from donations, and would welcome, I am sure, any and all donations. Although they are not Christian Scientists, their main thrust is religeous freedom. Their work is very beneficial to all of us in our fight for religeous freedom.

6. Elaine Baumgartner says:

As Christian Scientists, we used to have “exemption” forms that meant we and our children were truly exempt from studying disease, from medical examinations for sports, work, etc. Now the term has been changed to “accommodation.”
Exemption deals from a position of strength and confidence in our pure, reliable method of Christian healing as Christ Jesus taught. Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines “exemption” this way: “Freedom from any service, charge, burden, tax, evil or requisition, to which others are subject;immunity; privilege.” This definition is in accord with Christian Science and our Leader’s demonstrable declarations that God gave man dominion; and she quotes Paul as saying, “..I was freeborn.” S&H
The same dictionary defines “accommodation” this way: “Adaptation; adjustment of differences; reconciliation.”
Why would we wish to plead to reconcile our dependable, spiritual healing method with a medically based one merely to “accommodate” error’s false presentations. Oil and water don’t mix–why would these? Isn’t the better position to “exempt” ourselves from this “mixing” as our Leader tells us to do throughout her writings?

When our church representatives moved from the strong position of “exemption” to the weaker position of “accommodation,” the undermining of our historic stand on Principle and God’s law began. Now, we reap the results of that seemingly “harmless” step. It had serious consequences, as we can see. The crossroads we face now didn’t happen in 6 months or 6 years–it been “sliding” for a long time. And here we are. What now?

Now,(as is always the case) the only answer is pure clear metaphysics as Mrs. Eddy and Christ Jesus proved–AND a return to EXEMPTION from health laws, requirements and all the baggage that goes with them. When we mentally exempt ourselves from any suggestions of error, we are then clear to take the stand that we ARE exempt–and prove it! No one can argue with good, solid Christian Science healings! The healings prove it works, as we know it does!!!

So give up the hand-wringing pleading approach for “reconciliation/accommodation” with error and stand for liberty, justice and Christian healing–for “immunity/exemption” that aligns itself with Christian Science!!

The weaker position chooses error as a bedfellow–not what Christ Jesus and Mary Baker Eddy taught and practiced. Not what WE have been taught to practice.

7. Kristin says:

I appreciate the work the church is doing in this area. I think it would be quite helpful to have an insurance plan that covers whatever healthcare individuals choose – including both CS treatment and medical care. Having options without financial burden can help with healing no matter which route is chosen. I never want to feel forced to rely on CS because I’m concerned about hospital costs. That aspect could introduce unnecessary fear that does not aid Christian Science treatment. Providing options can never water down truth!

8. Federal Office says:

Elaine: Thank you for your thoughtful comments. At the Federal Office, we certainly agree with you about the importance of moving forward “from a position of strength and confidence” in Christian Science healing. It is this conviction about the efficacy of Christian Science healing that motivates us to engage with lawmakers, who are drafting health care policy. And, as you may have noted, we are currently pursuing an exemption from the health insurance mandate, in addition to working to have Christian Science care and treatment more accessible through an accommodation.

9. Jan True Jacoby, CS, Laguna Hills, CA says:

I am a retiree of the Los Alamos National Laboratory. They are under contract with the DOE and were operated by the University of California until just a few years ago. Our insurance plans are now managed by Hewitt Associates. Up until just two years ago I paid nothing for a Core plan with a $3,000.00 deductible a year. The Core plan was actually under Anthem Blue Cross. That plan covered Christian Science benefits, in that a practitioner was covered as a doctor and a CS nursing facility was covered as a hospital.

Now I pay just over $100.00 a month for a National CDHP plan under BlueCross BlueShield. The deductible is $1,500.00 a year, but the Laboratory pays the first $750.00 of that. They also have Christian Science benefits. When the change was made two years ago they weren’t planning to include CS benefits until I requested it. They had said that when the change was made that all benefits under the old plans would be included in the new plans. So they followed through when the request was made. And I stuck with them until I knew that it was done. And just this year I was able to get them to correct the wording in their plan documents. They were referring to the Association for Accreditation for CS Nursing Facilities for practitioners as well as facilities. But we got that changed to being listed in the current Christian Science Journal.

I haven’t used the CDHP plan yet, but four years ago I used the Core plan under Anthem Blue Cross. Some of the expenses were medical because of a broken bone. But I also had treatment by a Christian Science practitioner. I had to make numerous phone calls as they kept rejecting the claim. But when a faithful employee did some extra research, they followed up with me, and we got the claim processed and paid. As you can probably guess, it had something to do with codes in their system.

Neither of these plans consider a CS practitioner or CS nursing facility as preferred providers. But they will pay out. The old one paid 80 percent and the current one pays 60 percent.

Thanks for reading all of this, and for all you’re doing to help.

10. Nancy says:

I have asked CIGNA, my insurance provider, about Christian Science care coverage and have been told it is not covered. After listening to the Town Hall forum on health care, I have re-opened this conversation with CIGNA and have passed along the information on this website to help my presentation.

I’ll post back with any new updates.

11. Nancy says:

I heard back from CIGNA. They say:
“If the service is for a covered benefit and the provider is a licensed MD then
it would be covered OON.

They can also be reimbursed through her HSA (see attached).”

The attachment refers to Section 213(d) of the tax code. Does this section cover CS care?

Not looking really hopeful…they just don’t GET that the care is not related to an MD…

Any help is appreciated.

12. Debora says:

Sacramento reporter Jennifer Garza published a piece today, July 9, 2011 entitled “Cost-sharing plans founded on faith.” I have heard of these plans which meet the new federal health care laws.

Question: Has The Mother Church or any CS-affiliated nursing facilities considered this approach for Christian Scientists to meet the new federal requirements?

I understand that TMC is still pursuing federal exemption for CS; however, it seems that this cost-sharing plan would also meet our needs.

I appreciate your comments. Thank you.

13. high value contents insurance says:

Health insurance company is asking my health records before making a decision. Is it good to give consent?

14. ccdiane says:

Government health plans should not cover purely religious “health care”. If you want to go to a Christian Scientist, fine, but don’t use TRICARE to do it. If, as someone noted, the care is not related to an MD, it is not medical care.

I realize that many clinics and hospitals I use are affiliated with a religion. I can live with that. I can live with paying for that. (I understand the issue; my husband retired last year, we’ve had TRICARE since it began, and CHAMPUS prior to that.)

If you want faith to heal you, and believe it will, great. If you aren’t seeking medical care affiliated with a physician, our government should NOT be responsible for any of that bill.

15. Federal Office says:

Jan (#9) and Nancy (#11), thanks so much for your contributions on the topic of insurance. Nancy, it sounds like Christian Science services are currently not covered benefits in your CIGNA plan. You could potentially work with your employer to ask CIGNA on your behalf to have them included in the future. And, yes, you are right that IRS Code 213(d) includes Christian Science care and treatment as tax-deductible expenses. Hope that helps!

16. Federal Office says:

We really appreciate you passing along the article on health care sharing ministries, Debora (#12). Indeed, we have explored this possibility and think that programs like Medi-Share provide an interesting model that we should continue to consider.

High Value Contents Insurance (#13), it is difficult for us to weigh in a personal decision such as the one you pose. Your intuition and prayers, we would imagine, are most useful in making that determination.

17. Federal Office says:

CCDiane, for many years, military personnel and their families have found healing through the services of Christian Science practitioners and nurses using the TRICARE benefit. For these individuals, spiritual care constitutes their primary form of health care and has been proven to be effective. It makes sense that they not pay additional out-of-pocket expenses just because their chosen form of health care is religious in nature. Furthermore, spiritual care is comparatively less expensive and likely saves the tax payer money.

18. Pam in Texas says:

Yes, Tricare “accommodates” Christian Science in theory. But be aware that when you file a claim, you have to push and argue and fight your way through it before your claim is accepted.

@#14…I see you have been answered in #17, but I’m curious why you think people who rely on prayer rather than MDs should not be able to use Tricare and/or Medicare for their health insurance. We cost the government much less than traditional medical services. We don’t object to paying for others expensive medical services. Was our service to our country any less valuable than yours?

19. Mary says:

I am an employee of the state of Illinois judicial system. Illinois state employees have available to us Quality Care Health Plan (administered by CIGNA) which provides benefits for Christian Science practitioner care. I have used the benefits and had no trouble at all having my claim paid.

20. Judy in Arizona says:

I have a CIGNA PPO plan which does not cover CS treatment.

If we are going to be required to have health insurance, it should at least be something we can use.

21. Evelyn from North Carolina says:

I used to have an individual BC/BS insurance policy but it did not cover C.S. care. I requested this but was denied.

On another topic, I purchased a long-term care policy in 2003 with a Christian Science rider originally from CNA/Valley Forge Life Insur. Co., which was later bought by Reassure America. The policy covers care in a C.S. nursing facility and home care if I need help with two basic life skills.

22. meredith says:

I am a California state employee and have have HMO coverage (and a hefty amount of change taken out of my paycheck monthly) for service that I do not use. A few years ago I had a work-related incident and my supervisor sent me to the recognized Workman’s Comp physician (it was a healing experience for both of us as I explained my reliance on prayerful healing) but I would have preferred to not have that added dimension of the experience. I have long-term care insurance with the hope that when I need assistance in the distant future,I will be able to apply this coverage to Christian Science nurse facility (when I last checked not covered) but in home C.S. visiting nurse might be.

System-wide my employer has recently implemented a computer-based attendance keeping system that requires that a “sick” absence longer than 5 consecutive days requires a “note from doctor,” when I asked, my HR rep said “under the table” that a note from practitioner would be fine – but I have not used a practitioner in several years preferring to work through challenges relying upon prayer, study of our textbook, and the KJV Bible.

I appreciate the valuable work that you are doing to address this issue at the federal level, and to get answers. You are providing a very important educational service for Christian Scientists who are being “taxed” for services not used.

23. linda says:

For Jan #10, when you got the wording changed in your insurance plan “to being listed in the current Christian Science Journal” instead of “Association for Accreditation for CS Nursing Facilities”, were you getting that changed directly with the company you worked for (Los Alamos lab) or were you talking with the insurance company? Right now, my insurance coverage through my company also words it like yours was previously and I’m not sure they will cover CS practitioners unless I’m in a facility. And yes, the codes seem to be an issue. They don’t have a way to process CS treatment because we don’t diagnose. Thanks for any info. I’d like to get our wording changed too.

24. Dave Newbern says:

Regarding Tricare coverage for practitioner bills,the coverage for CS treatment is particularly difficult to use because they do not cover “absent” treatment. Over the last forty years or so of having Tricare eligibility for myself and my family, we have almost always used practitioners located out-of-state. The other issue with Tricare and other health insurance plans is that they ask you to separate “healing” from what they term “religious counseling.” It becomes difficult for the Tricare claims processors to comprehend the details of our claims.
Another issue regarding the use of Tricare when you are over 65 years old is the requirement that you must be enrolled in Medicare Part B to receive any benefits under Tricare for Life (The Tricare supplement for military retirees over 65).

25. bill smith says:

Thank you for the information. I am a retired federal employee, and have had Mail Handlers Insurance for many years. However, other than dental expenses, I have had no occasion to draw on it. Your information is useful.

26. Kaaren says:

Has the COM office in conjunction with The Mother Church filed a Friends of the Court letter in support of any or all of the lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of ObamaCare? If not, why not?

27. Kaaren Teuber says:

My previous post seems to have disappeared. I would like to know if the Committee on Publication and The Mother Church plan to write an amicus curiae brief or Friend of the Court and join with the many states that find the ObamaCare law unconstitutional. Under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, the government cannot force anyone to purchase insurance and I believe this should be the stand of this Committee and our Church. We should not try to carve out a special deal for Christian Scientists. Mrs. Eddy stood firmly against unfair and unlawful lawsuits and practices. The Church should be just as principled today as Mrs. Eddy was when she founded our Church.

28. Jean Sutton says:

Gentlemen:

Regarding healthcare insurance:

I do not have any healthcare insurance at present and I URGENTLY REQUEST THAT YOU FOLKS UP IN BOSTON QUIT TRYING TO PATCH A VERY BAD THING. I do not recall ever hearing that Mrs. Eddy tried to “fix” an error……she
completely annihilated error in EVERY FORM, and this is certainly an unlawful imposition on every American.

WORK INSTEAD TO REPEAL OBAMACARE in its entirety!

29. Sher says:

I have just been in contact with Tricare and their coverage for Christian Scientists. Under Tricare it is covered but under Tricare for Life it is not covered. Tricare for LIfe is specifically for those with medicare coverage. I am wondering why Tricare for Life does not recognize CS coverage and Tricare does? I have been given an organization name and address to write to them inquiring this. I am appreciating this blog and the work being done through your offices.

30. Federal Office says:

Sorry your comment did not appear immediately; all our comments undergo screening to weed out spam.

With regards to your question, we are considering the possibility of filing an amicus curiae brief. Also, because the health care reform law does not yet contain any religious exception or accommodation for Christian Scientists and others who use spiritual health care services, we are taking a variety of approaches to remedying the inequity. For example, we are seeking a legislative solution that would allow anyone with a “sincerely held religious belief” against the federally mandated health insurance coverage to be exempt from the requirement. We are also requesting that the Department of Health and Human Services include the coverage of spiritual health care services among the benefits that will be offered by health insurance companies under the new law.

31. Jennifer Glaser says:

I am retired without a pension and work part time.
I have medicare and SCS coveragewhich covers some Christian Science nursing help but is minimal.I pay Monumental Life Ins. Co. so this supports SCS policies.
I haven’t used anything as need has not arisen.

Jennifer

32. Jennifer Quinn says:

Question: What is known so far about the health insurance requirements that will go into effect in 2014? Is there someplace we can read the proposals under consideration? Will the new law dictate what insurance companies must or can cover? I assume there will be requirements that an insurance plan must meet in order to avoid the “tax” or penalty. Do we know anything about these requirements yet?

33. Federal Office says:

We sincerely appreciate the honest expression of your views. Right now, the movement to repeal the health care reform law cannot make it through Congress. There are an insufficient number of votes. We are taking a variety of approaches to lift the burden on Christian Scientists under the reform law – including seeking a legislative solution that would allow anyone with a “sincerely held religious belief” to opt-out from the health insurance requirement under the law.

34. Sher says:

Please explain what an amicus curiae brief is and if there is anything I should do in support of that.

35. Melanie says:

Sher, this is an interesting point you raise about Tricare for Life. Since Medicare covers CS nursing care, it should be that Tricare for Life has that benefit as well. We will investigate this further, and please be in touch with us if you discover any more details.

36. Sher says:

In regard to my final contact with Tricare for Life offices 9/11, I was sent a small packet of the coverage found in their codes. I was told via conversation with the managing headquarters in Colorado where I was directed to call this: Tricare and Tricare for Life (for retirees and families of military) are the same except medicare falls under Tricare for Life. Claims are processed exactly the same for both branches of Tricare, except with one exception – the Tricare for Life is sent from the claimant to Medicare FIRST. If rejected, they send it onto Tricare for Life as First Payer. The deductible is $150 per year starting Oct. 1 – Sept. 30. If anyone is interested in the wording of the packet sent to me, I can comment that in for you if you let me know. #24 is correct about absent treatment. It is not recognized for coverage. The practitioner must be physically present with the patient when giving prayerful treatment and not absent in order for coverage. It would be good if this could be an educated change so effective prayerful treatment could be better understood in its scientifically exact results. Thanks for all the federal offices help in this.

37. Suzanna Penn says:

I am greatly encouraged to see so many fellow Christian Scientists imploring The Mother Church and the Committee on Publication to take a strong position to keep Christian Science out of the health insurance provisions and out EXEMPT from subjection to the Health Care Reform Act (it causes practitioners and patients alike to disobey the Manual mandate for absolute confidentiality, as well as causing other compromises. I encourage the Committee to file the amicus briefs with anyone who is taking a stand for freedom of religion in this regard, and on any other basis that upholds the pure teachings and practice of Christian Science as taught by Mary Baker Eddy in the textbook Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures, and her other writings. The health care reform act will no doubt lead to regulation of the public Practice of Christian Science, including licensing and governmental scrutiny of public practitioners, financial audits, etc., becaue under that law there will have to be laws that enforce compliance with the law for anyone who participates. (Like income tax, if the government thinks the filing is incorrect, the Feds can audit. It’s the same with all regulations. . the Feds can set rules to enforce and investigate to insure compliance.)

And regard No. 9 above — paying more than $100 a month for health insurance and over a four year period (That’s $4800 in insurance fees) filed only once for reimbursement for practifioner fees — I’d venture that the practitioner bill was a lot less than $4800. . .more like $300 or less if the problem was extended. And with the $1500 deductible, Jan had not only paid the insurance premiums of more than $4800, but subtracting the $1500 deductible, still had to pay the practitioner. So why would a Christian Scientist want to purchase expensive insurance (designed for medical costs), which costs o much more than just paying the practitioner????? (Practitioners don’t have to buy expensive medical equipment or pay a staff of nurses, technicians, etc.)

Christian Science Practice and Christian Science Nursing are provisions of our CHURCH Manual — they are CHURCH ACTIVITIES, they are HOW church members care for one another and for those who come to us for help and healing — usually because the medicine man failed to relieve — which is all it promises — never healing, just relief.

It seem to me that to play ball with the medical field/insurance/legistation is a slippery slope.

I do appreciate the work of the Committee and know that they are trying to do what’s right, but I must agree with others who have written above that our workers at headquarters will take the most radical stand possible.

38. Federal Office says:

Thanks very much for your thoughtful remarks, Suzanna.

39. Shirley says:

Melanie #35 comments that “Medicare covers CS nursing care”
Is that right? I didn’t think Medicare covered that? My
supplemental insurance (through my husband’s career) is
NALC (National Association of Letter Carriers). They pick
up any cost not covered by Medicare, but if Medicare does
not cover, NALC does not pay. So if Medicare covers CS
nursing care (usually they pay 80%), the balance would be
picked up by NALC, but I don’t think it works that way.
Can anyone answer the Medicare question about CS nursing
care?
Thank you.

40. Jim Corbett says:

I spent many years working closely with state and federal legislators to assure that reliance on prayer was recognized in the laws. I’ve seen a large number of religious amendments added to legislation that passed into law. Whether the word “exemption” was used or “accommodation,” acceptance of our amendments was pursued by a great many with the same steadfast spiritual commitment and determination. Legislators understood our asking for “exemption” from, say, physical examination. Others were doing the same. However, for anyone to ask for “exemption” from child abuse and neglect legislation was so sensitive that some decisionmakers interpreted it to mean irresponsibility toward children. This of course was absurd and untrue. We love our children as much as anyone else and use the type of treatment we find most effective. It illustrated, though, how wise and understanding we must be in our approach to the specific intent of a legislative bill and the language we use to support our amendments. In the case of child neglect laws, “accommodation” was an appropriate term to use. It depends on what the legislative subject is and how it is worded. I always trusted such issues to the Manager’s staff who work full time on them and was never disappointed. Looking back, my observation is that the spiritual commitment and determination have always remained the same–100%, whatever the terminology settled upon.

41. Federal Office says:

Shirley,

The short answer is that 17 Christian Science nursing facilities are Medicare providers, with Medicare Part A covering room, board, care, and some supplies for a certain duration of time if nursing care is required. (For instance, “rest and study” stays would not be covered.)

42. Sandra Stack says:

This has been most informative on the issue of insurance for Christian Scientists under the proposed health care bill.

I read all comments posted on the COP blob and appreciate the sharing of information and experiences on and with insurance companies policies that have covered CS care in the past and those who are work with the proposals today.

The answers from #4 Federal Office. “focusing on religious freedom” and #37. The “provisions in our CHURCH Manual, that state our Care Facilities and Care givers are CHURCH ACTIVITIES”. Good reminder!

Thank you to all who have contributed.
Sandra

43. Katharine Brown says:

The HSA (health savings account) and FSA (flexible savings account) are very interesting options, but my research has indicated that they can’t be set up by an individual. Do you have any information on this?
Thank you for your work!
Katharine

44. Federal Office says:

Thank you for your question, Katharine. For tax purposes, HSAs need to be paired with a high-deductible health insurance plan. However, HSAs can in fact be set up by individuals; most banks offer them.

45. Virginia says:

What wonderful news about the reverse to the HHS coding ruling! God is working His purpose out!

46. Suzanna Penn says:

It is evident that the Committees wherever they are located are devoted to correcting impositions on the public about Christian Science. Masking it easier to file an insurance claim for expenses relative to Christian Science seems like a victory. But is it?

In all the discussion of Health Care reform or the issue mentioned above accommodating Christian Science treatment in insurance plans, etc., or in asking Christian Scientists to weigh in on how their insurance plans work, etc.. . .I have never seen where the Committee on Publication has surveyed Journal listed Christian Science Practitioners and Journal listed Christian Science Nurses, and Authorized Teachers of Christian Science and the Christian Science Board of Education, and Teachers who teach the Normal Classes, to learn how they feel about the Committee pursuing a course that causes Practitioners and Nurses to violate the mandate for absolute confidentiality as written in The Church Manual, by signing insurance forms, or describing or answering questions about a case, and a few other requirements that put the practitioner on the edge of malpractice.

This claim-filing exercise gives insurance companies and their interconnected databases carte blanche to develop lists of a particular Prationer’s or Nurse’s patients, and accumulate data on the details of the casses, and even how often Christian Scientists call for help and from whom.

I haven’t seen from the Committee a credible financial analysis of insurance costs (which are very high) compared to the costs of Christian Science Treatment or Christian Science Nurse charges, or a comparison of medical hospitalization costs compared to care provided in a Christian Science care facility.

I haven’t seen from the Committee an analysis of HOW including Christian Science Treatment as reimbursible by insurance companies will be monitored by the government, if the Health Care Reform law actually goes into affect and “accommodates” (I prefer the word imposes-upon) Christian Science treatment. All public laws must of necessity include regulations for monitoring the behavior of the citizenry in order to enforce those laws, and defined apprehension methods, and penalties for breaking the laws. Will the laws mandate that all Christian Science Practitioners or Nurses be paid ONLY through insurance companies? Will Practitioners have to open their records to insurance regulations boards?

Hospitals, pharmacists, and all medical fields are already monitored and regulated, is Christian Science practice next?

I haven’t seen a risk analysis of the extent to which and how The Manual By-laws, and the rules of spiritual healing given by Mary Baker Eddy in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures — the textbook on Christian Science healing — may be set aside by government regulations. If the government can overrule the By-laws of The Mother Church, will we still have our church?

I think we are being more naive, and perhaps even stupid, rather than prayerful, if we think Christian Science can participate with the practitioners of medical fields in the insurance industry, without our Christian Science practitioners and nurses also being monitored, audited, and regulated under the same laws. And perhaps even Christian Science practice being monitored by medical practitioners themselves — to “protect” the public, and medically take over the care of a patient. Already the insurance/medical fields are moving toward mandating having medical doctors on the boards of Christian Science care facilities.

As we so hypnotized by the medicine man that we can’t see through this effort of animal magnetism to nullify Christ-healing? Unless we stand up for Christian Science, and part with the medical, we have nothing to offer.

I know the Committees are sincere, but it seems to me that either the Field is not getting the whole story, or that the Committees are extremely short-sighted.

I hope Christian Science Practitioners, Christian Science Nurses, and Christian Science Teachers will raise their voices against pursuing participation in government regulation of health care. And I hope practicing Christian Scientists every where will wake up and become more active in opposing this governmental regulation being applied to Christian Science. Isn’t it a most terrible imposition on the public for Christian Science to give in to the medical?

47. Federal Office says:

We appreciate you sharing your views, Suzanna.

48. Betty says:

Will the Christian Science Church or its affiliates, e.g., the Christian Science Monitor, have to provide standard health insurance to its employees after 2014 if there are more than 50 employees?

49. Federal Office says:

Betty,
If the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act remains completely intact, The Mother Church will have to pay a tax penalty for failing to offer traditional health insurance to its employees. Please know, though, that we continue to work to ensure that The Mother Church and all Americans are free to make their best informed decisions regarding health insurance coverage without the possibility of having to pay a tax penalty.