High Medical Costs

Good question for which I don't have an answer. Maybe I shouldn't participate in the discussion, but will throw this out. I am chronically ill, and if I had to buy the medications the doctors prescribe for me, I couldn't eat or keep a roof over my head. I served in the Army and get my meds from the Veterans Administration, For a lot of folks who never served, this isn't an option they pick heat or medicine, or food or medicine, or rent or medicine.

As the rate of medical costs increase, it is increasingly doubtful that churches can assist much in this area. Especially churches in poor, rural areas. What can churches/pastors do? In my opinion, we have to support a socialist medical system. (I know the critcism is coming). We have to. Consider helping folks into co-habitation enviroments. (shared housing to reduce costs). We have to become a less litigious society. We have to get folks to doctors early for checkups to prevent diseases, or to control them.

This last item is perhaps where churches/pastors can be of most help. Check with local physicians to see if they will do pro-bono checkups a couple of times a month. Open up the church houses during the week as an impromptu medical office. Put the squeeze on any medical professionals in your congregations to assist, if possible. Encourage your congregation to visit hospitals/nusing homes/hospices just to be there for the patients. Encourage volunteering to assist the less fortunate in your community.

See the poll on civic involvement, I posted earlier today in the Polls Forum.

I have other thoughts on the subject, but will withhold them for the moment.

Jeff

 

Acquire no gold nor silver nor copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. (Matthew 10:9-10 ESV)

Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:13-14 ESV)

Jesus said that those who proclaim the gospel are worthy of their food, and Paul also equates this with earning their living. This practice also goes back to Old Testament times, when the priests and those who served in the temple were supported by what was brought into the temple. In these days the church should continue to support those who serve. That isn't saying that a preacher should get rich from the offerings of the congregation, like some of the televangelists today. That isn't saying that a preacher should ride around in a Rolls Royce. But it does mean that the offerings of the congregation should support the needs of the preacher and members of his family living under his roof. Medicines are a part of that need and should not be considered a luxury.

Also, there a couple of plans for those who are on Social Security and who meet income requirements. Pfizer has a plan which includes a $15 co-pay for listed medicines. And TogethrRx offers a plan for savings averaging maybe 40% on listed medicines from 10 different pharmaceutical companies. Membership is free, but no one who participates in any type or drug insurance programs will be accepted. For more info on these check out the following web sites:

http://www.pfizer.com/pfizerinc/about/sharecard/sharecard.html

http://www.togetherrx.com/downloads/APPLICATION.PDF

God bless you!

[ December 07, 2002, 09:24 AM: Message edited by: Keith M ]

 

Many answers could possibly be in prevention. Good health and natural remedies are often better than drugs. Maybe this is why the Lord gave His people a special diet. I've heard so much against His plan for a diet, but how much could it hurt if we followed it anyway.