As the United States moves toward more universal health insurance coverage, many Christian Scientists are asking how their specific needs can be accommodated. Some Christian Scientists may feel that health insurance coverage is unnecessary or even inconsistent with the practice of Christian Science. Others—perhaps especially those whose families are not Christian Scientists—may feel it’s as important to have health insurance coverage as it is to have insurance for their homes, furnishings, and vehicles.
The Mother Church has taken some preliminary steps toward exploring various aspects of these health insurance questions. These include determining ways to inform Christian Science practitioners—who may be asked by their patients to file claims with an insurance company—on how to file claims appropriately.
A team organized by the Christian Science Committee on Publication is meeting one-on-one with a cross-section of experienced Christian Scientists from around the United States. This team includes practitioners and Christian Science nurses as well as representatives of Christian
Science nursing facilities.
Also, a pilot project for 2013 is underway that involves a national health insurance company which will provide a fully-insured health plan that includes coverage for Christian Science practitioner and Christian Science nursing care for employees of The Mother Church who choose to participate. The Mother Church is taking this modest step to learn better what is involved in Christian Scientists working with insurance companies.
For more information and to find answers to many frequently asked questions, please visit the Committee on Publication’s Web page on ChristianScience.com using this link:
Ideas and input on this topic are most welcome as we all reach out in prayer for solutions to these unfolding health insurance coverage issues. Feel free to e-mail your comments to clerk@ChristianScience.com putting “Health Insurance Comments” in the subject line.
Warmly,
Clerk of The Mother Church
