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The Federal Committee on Publication office recently asked constituents in a Congressman’s district if they could write to him directly to thank him for his recent help. He sponsored legislation—a health bill of interest. The current exemption under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) gives preference to a few select faiths without respecting the rights of other faiths. One member who wrote to him received this letter in reply:
August 6, 2012
Thank you for contacting me. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns.
As you may know, this bill was introduced by Representative Jeff Fortenberry from Nebraska on March 17, 2011. If passed, this bill will amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) so that purchasers or beneficiaries of health plans are permitted to decline coverage of items and services that are contrary to their religious and moral beliefs. This will prohibit the discrimination against a health plan, plan sponsor, health care provider, or other person because of unwillingness to provide coverage of, participate in, or refer for, specific items or services.
This bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce where it is awaiting further action. While I do not serve on this committee, you can rest assured I will keep your views in mind should this bill come up for a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Again, thank you for giving me the benefit of your views. Please continue to keep me informed on any federal issue of importance to you.
Sincerely,
A Member of Congress
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I am puzzled.
This “help” in the form of H.R. 1179 (as herein described, I have no knowledge of the content or intent of this proposed legislation beyond what Congressman Rohrabacher says here) only applies to “purchasers or beneficiaries of health plans.” That means people who have already handed over their premium$ or had their parents pay for them.
These people would, as it states here, have the “right” to decline to be covered for things that “are contrary to their religious and moral beliefs.”
That sounds to me like, after you pay the premium, you can reject coverage for abortion and blood pressure medication if these things go contrary to your religious beliefs.
What, if anything, does this proposed law say about not having to buy in to the plan at all – if coverage for your chosen method of healthcare – radical reliance on prayer and/or the services of a Christian Science Practitioner – isn’t included in that coverage?
It seems to me that, if the Government gets to decide what does and doesn’t get covered, they are – de facto – deciding which religious observances and practices will continue and which will not.