In today's political climate, insurance is a big topic. Why? Because we don't have it yet we need it but we can't afford it. Isn't that the same cry you hear over and over? That is what it all boils down to. So there is much debate about universal health care Vs traditional, or the fact that insurance companies should be able to cross state borders or that insurance companies in general are screwing us over to make a hefty profit.
I would love to see a change happen. But we live in a country that is deadlocked in selfish and dirty politics. No way will the powers that be make a move for the middle class, after all, their health insurance and benefits are intact and will never change. They don't have that gnawing worry about deductibles or payments or limited coverage or getting rates you can't afford because your wife gets cancer. Those petty issues don't concern them... well, that is not fair, they act concerned during election time and hem and haw over it but we all know that nothing will be done about it.
So when I read about a company called Samaritan Ministries International I was intrigued. The premise is this- the Biblical way of "bearing one anothers burdens" is that its all for one and one for all. Here is how their website explains it:
Each member commits to sending a set "Share" amount each month. These "Shares" are sent directly through the mail from one household to another, to the members with "Needs". Samaritan Ministries uses a database that randomly matches Shares to Needs, so that the Sharing is coordinated and Shares go to the appropriate members with Needs.
When a member has a health care "Need" he receives health care treatment from a provider of his choice, collects the bills, and sends them to Samaritan Ministries. Samaritan Ministries verifies that the Need meets the Guidelines. Then, in the monthly newsletter mailing, Samaritan Ministries directs some members to send their Shares to the member with the Need. The member with the need receives the shares to pay his health care bills.
With more than 15,500 member households participating in the ministry, there is about $3.5 million available each month to meet health care needs.
To me, it sounds like a viable plan. True, I can think of loop holes and plenty of questions but just the fact that someone is stepping up and saying there is a better way to do this is refreshing.
Check out there site for yourself and let me know what you think: www.samaritanministries.org
I remember that there was someone interested in that or a similar plan at the last place I worked at. I think the biggest draw for him was that he worried his current health care plan was using his premiums to essentially pay for procedures that bothered his conscience. Abortions was, I think, the pinnacle problem.
ReplyDeleteThe other point he was interested in was that the Bible calls us to bear one anothers burdens. He thought it was more scriptural to be involved with that kind of a system. I wasn't so sure of his reasoning, but the idea I suppose isn't bad.
I wonder how it would work for people with chronic problems though. 3.5 million dollars a month is a drop in the ocean. That's about $225 per household, which is nothing compared to what full insurance costs. Then again, I wonder how you would claim a quarter million expense with that group.
The change is, indeed, refreshing.
health insurance the biblical way- is smiply great.. great amount of information is given init... it is very much beneficial for me..i shall be thankful to you.. i liked your health insurance topic..
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