Posted on 11/03/2009 8:38:31 AM PST by markomalley
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.
The measure would put Christian Science prayer treatments -- which substitute for or supplement medical treatments -- on the same footing as clinical medicine. While not mentioning the church by name, it would prohibit discrimination against "religious and spiritual healthcare."
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.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
How about Scientology auditing sessions?
(if I need to say it, /sarc)
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Your lists might be interested in this little tidbit...
Sorry, but with all the truly outrageous socialist, economy-destroying stuff in this bill, I can't get worked up about a provision requiring insurers to "consider" covering something.
If this ‘death machine’ passes......that’s all we’re gonna have left.
The list, ping
What about Reflexology?
I might be able to work my degree!
(I sold foot massage for stress relief)
Very good news, if true. The only bright spot about the bill.
The Christian Scientists I know are sincere, successful students of the Bible and rely upon prayer for everything. If the bill insists upon covering everyone, it SHOULD accommodate those who consistently rely on prayer for healing.
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