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Bernard Eichenbaum responded to my article published December 6, 2012 in the San Diego Union Tribune by asking: “Who would determine prayer efficacy?” This comment was published in the Letters to the Editor section of the paper on December 9, 2012. Myy response to this question was published in the Letters to the Editor section on December 19, 2012, “Insurers embracing spiritual forms of health care:”
In response to Bernard Eichenbaum’s letter concerning the determination of prayer efficacy, some prayer-based therapies have already been supported by insurance companies without any need for government involvement. It seems like we can overcome the concern Mr. Eichenbaum expressed about government interference with religion by leaving the coverage decisions to insurance companies based on principles of supply, demand, and cost effectiveness. I’m finding more and more examples where health delivery systems are willing to embrace spiritual forms of care among their offerings, and it is directly benefiting not only their bottom line, but also, more importantly, the health of the patient.
As an example, Aetna, a leading diversified health benefits company, serving approximately 35.4 million people with information and resources about health, announced positive results seen in studies that offer evidence that mind-body approaches to health improvement are an effective and targeted solution for employers who want to lower the costs associated with stress and help their employees achieve better overall health.
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Great response Don! Thanks for your diligent work. (=
Terrific response Don. Thanks for your research and thoroughness in answering his question. I would think that most insurance companies would jump at the chance to insure people who depend on prayer or other alternative means for healing. What is the saying… “What blesses one, blesses all.”
P.S. So glad you are back doing your blog. Missed you over the holidays. Hope it was a good one, but so grateful you are back. You blogs are so informative and helpful, I miss it when I can’t read one
Thank you so much for all that you and your wonderful staff do.
Years ago my husband did a lot of business with Aetna and found them flexible and accommodating. I’m glad to learn that they are broad-minded, willing to work with people with out-of-the-ordinary requests for health care, and continuing to meet the needs of the public.
Giving Aetna credit lets people know that solutions are out there for those who desire prayer-based health care.
Your answer was perfect.
Thank you for this excellent, clarifying response. I would like to mention that when I worked at the University of California, Riverside, I learned that one of their health insurance providers had offered coverage for Christian Scientists but dropped the option because no one filed a claim! Unfortunately, I did not learn about such an option until it was time for me to leave. Perhaps we need to be more pro-active in requesting whether coverage is available to us rater . That will send a message that we are there!
Thank you for this vital information that shows the progress going along.