Items of Interest December 30, 2013 ISSUE

From the Christian Science Committee on Publication, US Federal Office

Health care reform law—brief update

Gary Jones

Beginning in 2014, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), virtually all Americans will need to have a medical health insurance plan that meets federal requirements, or pay a tax penalty. (Those who are enrolled in Medicare or another government health plan will be treated as complying with the law. Those enrolled in an employer-sponsored health plan should check with their employer to confirm whether the plan is ACA-compliant.)

So, like other Americans, Christian Scientists must think through their options under the ACA and how to comply with the law.

Here is some information you may find helpful:

Christian Science coverage not included in state exchanges for 2014

Over the past two years, the Christian Science Committee on Publication’s US Federal Office has diligently worked to secure the inclusion of Christian Science health care services in health insurance plans offered at the state insurance marketplaces. We are deeply grateful for governmental receptivity to insurance coverage of this kind.

However, because of the time crunch that insurance carriers experienced due to state and federal governmental delays, it ultimately was not possible for Christian Science health care services to be included in the state exchanges for 2014.

Congressional exemption solution still uncertain

The US Federal Office continues to pursue a legislative solution with Congress that would enable those with sincerely held religious beliefs against purchasing the required medical insurance to apply for an exemption.

There is strong support for this solution among members of Congress; however, we cannot guarantee that Congress will act on the legislation in 2013. As always, please consult our website for periodic updates, and let us know if you’d like to help with these efforts.

Related items recently posted on christianscience.com/federal

  • A metaphysical perspective on health care from Christian Science Board of Directors member Margaret Rogers (replay of her remarks during the Committee on Publication’s September 24, 2013, online audio town hall event, “The ACA and you”)
  • An article on high-deductible insurance plans and the ACA
  • An article on health savings accounts (HSAs)
  • Regular updates to our list of ACA frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Questions?

Visit christianscience.com/federal for ACA FAQs, resources, and more, or to subscribe to our newsletter.

If you are unable to visit the website and your question is not answered in this article, contact us at federal@csps.com or 202-296-2190.

About the author

Gary Jones is the Manager of the Christian Science Committee on Publication’s US Federal Office.

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