~ The Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministriescalls on TN lawmakers to protect health care freedom and pass Senate bill SB 862 ~
Right now, the Tennessee legislature is considering an important bill, SB 862, sponsored by Senator Shane Reeves, which would protect access to faith-based health care for more than 28,000 Tennessee members of Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs). Specifically, the bill would clarify that ministries are not insurance for purposes of Tennessee law.
Senate Bill SB 862 Supports Health Care Freedom
Katy Talento, executive director of the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries (The Alliance, ahcsm.org), commented on the urgency of the bill, noting that it is vital for the Tennessee Senate to pass the bill, not only to ensure the longevity of Health Care Sharing Ministries, but for the future of health care freedom.
“Tennessee lawmakers have a chance to strike a blow for health care freedom in the Volunteer State, but only if they act right away,” said Talento. “The full House and a Senate committee both have already passed HB 1163-SB 862, which preserves the liberty of Tennesseans to choose their own health care options, such as Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs), instead of being coerced into Obamacare, where their precious family resources could be used on procedures that violate their religious beliefs. Now it’s up to the Senate to do the right thing and secure passage.
“Democrats and outside critics of health care freedom want to force more and more people on to Obamacare exchanges by stoking falsehoods and fears.”
Talento concluded, “Make no mistake. This is about more than HCSMs. It is about whether Tennessee lawmakers are willing to protect volunteer health care freedom in the Volunteer State.”
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries is a 501(c)(6) trade organization representing the common interests of Health Care Sharing Ministry organizations which are facilitating the sharing of health care needs (financial, emotional, and spiritual) by individuals and families, and their participants. The Allianceengages with federal and state regulators, members of the media, and the Christian community to provide accurate and timely information on health care sharing.
To learn more about the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries, visit www.ahcsm.org or follow the ministry on Facebook or Twitter.
Publisher’s Note: I was a part of two different faith-based health share ministries at different times in my life. That peace of mind and financial savings I received from these ministries was a lifesaver during some lean years. I urge our lawmakers to support Senate Bill SB 862.
