It sounds too unbelievable, but there are efforts underway to include "prayer coverage" in health care reform! Americans might have to settle for a plan that doesn't cover everyone or that doesn't do nearly enough to bring down costs. There is no valid reason to even consider offering a "prayer option." I wonder if it's part of the Republican plan Congressman Alan Grayson (D-FL) was talking about when he skewered Republican obstructionists on the House floor.
Much to my dismay I find out that not only is such a proposal being made in earnest, but it is garnering Democratic support. The Senate version was inserted by Utah Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, with the support of Democratic Senator John Kerry. The Los Angeles Times reports it was also supported by the late Senator Edward Kennedy.
It may be the Massachusetts Senate delegation support is related to the fact that the Church of Christ, Scientist, is headquartered there. Doing something on behalf of home state constituents is to be commended, except when it takes such an extraordinary step to state-sanctioned religion. What's just as alarming is that the practice of paying for praying is already covered by some federal insurance plans, including those covering military families. And apparently costs for such "treatments" can often be deducted as a medical expense.
Give me a Huh? We have a fight on our hands for basic health care, and some want to put prayer into the mix? We had the furor over so-called "death panels" that was nothing but trumped up BS about a program to allow patients to make informed end of life decisions, and we are going to allow billing for prayer?
In the House, Representative John Shimkus (R-IL) introduced the spiritual healing provision. Incidentally, he has Principia College, a Christian Science school, in his district. Thankfully, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) stripped it from the consolidated House bill after some members were astute enough to say the provision might be unconstitutional.
Much to my dismay I find out that not only is such a proposal being made in earnest, but it is garnering Democratic support. The Senate version was inserted by Utah Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, with the support of Democratic Senator John Kerry. The Los Angeles Times reports it was also supported by the late Senator Edward Kennedy.
It may be the Massachusetts Senate delegation support is related to the fact that the Church of Christ, Scientist, is headquartered there. Doing something on behalf of home state constituents is to be commended, except when it takes such an extraordinary step to state-sanctioned religion. What's just as alarming is that the practice of paying for praying is already covered by some federal insurance plans, including those covering military families. And apparently costs for such "treatments" can often be deducted as a medical expense.
Give me a Huh? We have a fight on our hands for basic health care, and some want to put prayer into the mix? We had the furor over so-called "death panels" that was nothing but trumped up BS about a program to allow patients to make informed end of life decisions, and we are going to allow billing for prayer?
In the House, Representative John Shimkus (R-IL) introduced the spiritual healing provision. Incidentally, he has Principia College, a Christian Science school, in his district. Thankfully, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) stripped it from the consolidated House bill after some members were astute enough to say the provision might be unconstitutional.
Comments
Don c
(Guest)
(Guest)
12/22/2009
Hopefully Jeff never needs a miracle, I'm just sayin'.
Don't know what to make of this other then to say I believe "prayer" or concentrated mental efforts, shall I say, are helpful. Positive energy, zen and all that. But into law? Hmmmm?
I do believe in the power of prayer. However, the concept of paying for prayer and including it in the healthcare reform proposal seems ridiculous. Just one more issue to gum up the process
Jeff, You should make a Gandhi walk - Walk around the entire world and tell every person who has faith- They are Stupid, Wrong, Aholes Not worth Shi x etc... Living will be a struggle. Why not start in the East!!Middle
Search google for WTF? And let me know what you are talking about- societies and cultures have used prayer for health care since we were in caves...that doesn't give any of it credence. And yes, knowing what we now know about medicine, it is quackery.
Incredible I typed into google "African American Healing Prayers" - Massive hits also. Now using Jeff's Theories: Does this article make him Racist - You Judge - He seems to use the term very loosely against others.
Research shows that prayer doesn't work. In fact, prayer made hospitalized people more likely to die.
"the spiritual healing provision..."??? I think that goes by your Loony Tunes provision, spoken about with Mr. D. Duck
Jeff, again another attack on religion beliefs - I read your article, went to google and typed in "Native American healing prayers" over 1 million hits. So. I guess YOU would call that "Quackery" also.
Unfortunately, you aren't kidding...
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