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June 29, 2005

Health Care

The state government of Tennessee is wrestling with the issue of providing health coverage to its citizens who cannot afford health insurance. The conversation appears to be rather onesided at this point. The government is doing what I expect the government to do; and that is to look at the bottom line. But, there are those of us who embrace the "Great Commandment" as our criteria and lens through which we view and make decisions. We are constrained by our love of God and neighbor to seek ways in which we can bring healing and wholeness to others. I have discovered that "loving others" is costly. In this case, I believe that it is worth the time and effort for us to find ways we can provide at the least "basic health coverage" for those who can not provide it for themselves or their families. The 2004 Book of Discipline in paragraph 162T reads "Health care is a basic human right. Psalm 146 speaks of the God 'who executes justice for the oppressed;/who gives food to the hungry./ The Lord sets prisoners free;/ the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.' ...It is unjust to construct or perpetuate barriers to physical or mental wholeness or full participation in community." I realize that these are tough times and that many will not embrace this idea of health care being a human right but I ask, "Is there a person of Christian faith who would feel justified in her or his heart in turning a person away from medical attention that would prevent that person's death?"

Posted by Bishop at June 29, 2005 01:51 PM

Comments

As a health care professional and Methodist I've had many of these same questions. One thing that I have noticed is that the "affiliated" hospitals, e.g. Methodist, Baptist, etc. seem to be hardly distinguishable from the secular hospitals, espc. when it comes to collections. I wonder if we should look at the facilities which carry our name and either redicate ourselves to providing charity care (perhaps each conference addopting one or more facilities) or terminating the relationship with an eye to providing charity care via a different mechanism. Another avenue would be to use our members' talents either alone or in conjuction with other denominations in each community to provide free clinics in our communities (e.g. Friends in Need in Kingsport). Other activities such as transporting people to appointments, helping with navigation of paperwork for people eligible for manufacturer programs for free medications, etc. would all be ways to help, and if organized and coordinated with central resources (why re-invent the wheel at each location?)could make a big difference at the local level. Now these activities are a hit-or-miss affair, but with the determination to accept this calling, either as a conference or as a denomination we could make an impact.

Posted by: dannyG [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 2, 2005 10:08 PM