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Christianity Today, February, 2008 |

The Health Care Crunch

Let's make sure any reform plan we pursue avoids the single-value syndrome.

A Christianity Today editorial | posted 2/05/2008 08:51AM

This is not a news flash, but it needs repeating: The health-care system in America is leaving out tens of millions of people, whose health and financial solvency are at grave risk. Take three examples ...

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Arek	Posted: February 19, 2008 2:08 AM

Why do we Christians trust government so blindly? Prayer for our leaders does not require trust in their integrity. Is not the love of money the root of all kinds of evils? Is a politician exempt from this truth? By no stretch of the imagination! So what makes us think that politicians or political groups would set aside their own personal gain for mine or yours? In a centrally planned healthcare system someone will decide how to limit access by pharamaceutical and other healthcare companies, and I am willing to guess that the highest bidder wins, although we may never find out. Healthcare is already being crushed in the tentacles of big government, and we feel the pain. Why are so many clamoring for more tentacles, more regulation, more government involvement? If advocacy for a national health-care system is added to Christian virtue then let the government steal my earnings since I am so rich, and I will try to be charitable with the remaining ten cents I have.

Doug Tidwell

Posted: February 14, 2008 12:11 AM

It is virtuous and Christ-like for me to donate my own resources to help provide for medical help for a person in need. It is theft and very un-Christ-like to forcibly take money from a stranger (we call it taxation) to accomplish the same purpose. Liberalism is the art of being generous with OPM (other people's money). That's why I'm not only a social conservative, but also a fiscal conservative. The best way to improve the American health care system is to increase competition and get the government out of it. I'm amazed by the number of unnecessary medical tests our local clinic performs on my 76-year-old inlaws every year simply because Medicaire pays for it. My Bible college professor said, "Capitalism is the worst economic system in the world....except for all the other systems." Personal responsibility, deregulation, and free market forces will to more to improve our nation's healtcare system than any government program in the long run.

Michael

Posted: February 11, 2008 9:24 AM

Great article. And thank you for keeping it at the fore-front of our conscience. America has a serious problem. If you don't see it or agree, go to any major or minor metropolitan area and visit and ER. Ask the people about their wait. These people are sick, hurting, have broken bones, etc. and they have to wait anywhere from 2-7 hrs to be seen by a physician that went to school for 4+4+3 years. And the article points out that its not just an issue of access, its also an issue of affordability. Many people have access to Health Care but can not afford to use it because of the cost. And the idea of being cost-effective, (spreadsheets) deny this procedure, but approve this procedure is border-line immoral. If you don't understand this portion of the issue, ask anyone that has a terminal illness, cancer, or genetic disorder about the many procedures a/o medicines that are 'available' but 'unaffordable w/o insurance.

Donna

Posted: February 09, 2008 8:53 PM

I work in healthcare. Many folks won't pay a dime for healthcare. They have money to buy cigarettes, beer, lottery tickets, cell phones and drive newer model cars. Yet they expect the gov't to pay all their health expenses. The gov't hardly pays the doctor who sacrificed 4 yrs college, 4 yrs medschool and 3 yrs of Residence. Most good doctors want OUT of overly managed health care, foreign docs, PA's and nurse practioners will soon be your only options,

Chip Watkins

Posted: February 08, 2008 10:05 AM

As individuals, families, and a society, we must decide what health care we are NOT willing to pay for. The marginal cost of technology and pharmaceuticals keeps going up. The fact that a test or drug is available does not require us to use it. The prolonging of life on earth is an important value, but it is not always the most important value: we cannot always equate a decision not to use all available treatments with suicide. Sadly, in our post-modern culture, most people believe there is no life after physical death, and so the decision to use all available means to prolong life on earth is rational. The effect is unlimited demand for health care, which necessarily drives up cost. We also do not take care of the bodies God has given us as well as we ought. What portion of health care costs (not to mention untimely deaths) could be avoided by sexual chastity outside of marriage, due exercise and rest, the avoidance of gluttony and smoking, etc?

Julie

Posted: February 07, 2008 3:00 PM

One of the many problems with a national health care system is that it would be unconstitutional. Our system of government is based on delegated powers, and health care is not one of the powers that was delegated to the federal government. The 10th amendment states that any powers not delegated to the national government are reserved to the states or to the people. Roger did an excellent job in citing many of the causes of the current health care crisis which were not addressed in the article. I agree that health savings plans would be a good start. Bob, Christians do not believe in faith-healing. We believe that Christ is our healer and can heal when He chooses to. Sometimes He heals us physically, but the most important healing work He does is the spiritual healing of regeneration and sanctification in those who accept His forgiveness. But I do know of cases where Christians went to hospitals and miraculously healed dying patients in Jesus' Name.

Karen

Posted: February 07, 2008 7:45 AM

My job is to help people find health care for pregnancy. I know this thought isn't popular but what I am seeing is that our system of caring for people who are unable to pay for healthcare is burdened by people who are here without permission to be in America. There are free clinics here and our emergency rooms are required to treat people who show up and there are ministries like mine that offer limited medical services for free. Illegals and Americans can receive free health care for prenatal checkups, delivery, free medical care for the children born. One of our clients, who had entered the country without permission, had 2 children delivered free while here, and received 3 very expensive operations for them. Free. I agree that we should help those in need - that is why I'm in this ministry voluntarily but I shouldn't be required to pay through my taxes. Government cannot make decisions necessary to encourage accountability. Charity can.

Bill	Posted: February 06, 2008 4:58 PM

I was just looking over my latest statements from my private health care plan. I noticed that there was plenty of "slothful bureaucracy" in the current market-based, private system. Do not be fooled into thinking that non-government entities are not awash in their own seas of bureaucratic inefficiencies. This article calls Christians to attention and to action. There are a myriad of social and economic issues to take into account, but that should not deter us from looking for a solution to the problems we face. The lack of a defined solution in this article is a wise decision on behalf of the editorial board as it recognizes the complexity of the problem and the need for us to reason together on behalf of Christ.

Chris

Posted: February 06, 2008 2:53 PM

I'm sorry for those who do not have health insurance, but to expect the middle class to go without it to provide for the "poor" is not fair either. My husband and I pay over $12,000,( yes twelve thousand dollars), a year for health insurance (from a so-called "non-profit insurer) with a high deductable . My husbands wages are all commissions and can vary from $36,000 to $80,000 If we have to pay even more taxes so more "poor" people can be covered WE will have to go without health insurance. Where is the justice in that????????? I object to paying the same rate as those who smoke, drink and over eat, while not getting any exercise, and engage in "risky behaviors". I will NEVER vote for higher taxes,and DO NOT call me greedy!! Life is unfair folks.

Roger

Posted: February 06, 2008 2:41 PM

What's the point? You're right, this is not news! The real problems were not addressed. The cost of regulation, the paperwork deluge, the litigious environmet, and the lack of cost competition. Instead of wringing one's hands, we should roll up our sleeves and address the real causes. Individual helath savings plans would be a start. Also how about a loser pays (and loser's lawyer pays) torte reform? Maybe caps on punitive damages. Where have all the thinking Christians gone?

Moore Or Les

Posted: February 06, 2008 12:45 PM

How far we have fallen.Since when has this doctrine of entitlement become a Christian virtue?Like trained dogs,the American public gets all boiled up over the red herrings being tossed around by the talking heads.We vote the sory lines the media gives and never stop to think that it makes no difference!There is only one genuine candidate running and he gets no press because he isn't part of the good ol' boy system.As Christians we should first stop behaving like trained dogs and cease voting for the lesser of evils.Only revolutionary efforts will stop this cascading train wreck. We get all wrapped up in our diapers about living conditions on the Titanic while we mock and throw up road blocks to those who would go below and stem the breach.IT IS BROKEN, THE BAND AIDS WON'T WORK AND THE TALKING HEADS CAN'T TELL THE TRUTH.I sympathize with those who believe that socialism will ease their burdens, it doesn't work, it isn't Christian. An expanding government is a sign of a failed society.

Kevin Devoto

Posted: February 06, 2008 10:51 AM


Kevin Devoto - Many of the Hospitals (Baylor, Presbyterian, Methodist, St. whatever) were orig. all Christian based. Wonder when benevolence became a mandate? Kevin Devoto

John of Aus

Posted: February 06, 2008 6:49 AM

As a citizen of a democracy which has a form of universal health care, I cannot understand why the USA spends more per person yet has a worse out come than the so-called bloated slothful systems of Canada, UK, EU and my own country Australia. As Christian and a citizen I cannot understand this callus attitude to those who are sick. Yet from reading many blogs, there appears little awareness in the USA of the real situation in these more successful systems. We have a hybrid system of universal health care plus optional private insurance. Consequently few people get driven into penury if they get very sick with out insurance. Our retail drug prices are low due to our selective subsidy system. While the industry needs reasonable profits to finance new R&D, extortion is not acceptable. USA should have the best health outcomes in the world Have you have been conned by those who wish to extort from sickness? Yes my heritage includes being a 6th generation Yank

Khalil

Posted: February 06, 2008 6:43 AM

Roger, this is a publication based primarily in the US. Expect it to deal with issues that Americans are facing. Sorry, if the magazine was published from the UK, Australia, or Japan I'd expect the same. If you don't like the content don't read the articles or find another website to view. I don't think that you're comment , while it is your opinion, was really warranted here. That is something that should be posed to the editors, not the discussion board.

David

Posted: February 06, 2008 3:12 AM

Some years ago Australia had a good health scheme when the Government owned a Health Fund of it's own, and everyone had to join a fund.The rest were private companies .This enabled everyone to join a Fund they could afford to cover health costs.Today the Government Fund is now privatised. The just way for any nation is to provide the opportunity for everyone to join a fund they can afford Christian or non Christian.Our Government allows a 30% Tax Rebate on premiums that can be taken at source, that is to keep premiums down, or accept the rebate on the Tax Return at the end of the financial year, a way of receiving a higher Tax Return.For a low income worker this does make Health Insurance affordable. For the Christian, Health Funds are a way of spreading the health cost from low income workers to those who can afford to contribute a greater contribution.

Roger - Australia

Posted: February 05, 2008 6:52 PM

Can 'Christianity Today' please not bore we non-Americans with so much discussion about American politics? Christianity transcends politics and 'Christianity Today' should strive to transcend America, Americans and American politics. Watching politics in my own country is boring enough without having to read about American politics as well. Let's get back to discussing real issues facing Christians worldwide.

Neil Gussman

Posted: February 05, 2008 6:22 PM

In May of this year I crashed at 50mph in a downhill bicycle race. I broke ten bones--4 ribs, my right shoulder and collarbone, my nose and three vertebra in my neck. I smashed C-7. I was medevaced from the scene. 8 days later I walked out of the hospital in a neck brace--C-7 replaced with a bone from a cadaver. The difference between me and Joni Earackson Tada is WHEN we broke our necks. The best doctor in the world would have left me paraplegic in 1967. Our health care is expensive and amazing and unevenly distributed. I'll vote for anyone who will help the uninsured. I can see why a conservative would raise objections--by definition he wants to keep what is his--but as a believer I want the blessing I got to be spread as far as it can go.

Ruth	Posted: February 05, 2008 2:27 PM

Thank you, Bennett, for making me laugh. I needed it; I have just come home from a hospitalization. The universal health care we need will be too late for me when it comes. In 1999 my ex-husband's and my retirement savings were still over $300,000, even after several years of heavy medical expenses. Now, I am being evicted from the house I have "owned" (having a mortgage is not owning) for 24 years and will probably have to live in my car because all the shelters are full and I do not have income to pay rent---if there were low-income housing available without a 24-month wait. I became ill in the late 1980s, had to give up a career, a dissertation, a long marriage (he got sick of caring for me), income, good credit, youth (I am 64) and all hopes and aspirations for some kind of useful ministry as well as my health. I was unable to get disability benefits from Social Security due to my lack of depression or mental illness and a high level of education. This can happen to anyone.

Elaine

Posted: February 05, 2008 2:23 PM


Adequate health care is a basic human right. As Christians, we have a responsibility to those who are on the margins of society. That includes those without access to health care. It is our responsibility to advocate for the poor and the disenfranchized, with wisdom and with love, as I believe our Savior would do.

Trevor

Posted: February 05, 2008 2:23 PM


State funding of health care through taxes is not the evil many in the US think it is. I live in New Zealand and the fortunately the appalling stories at the start of this article don't happen here. Sure, there are always issues around health care but the sort of injustices you detail don't happen here. I don't think this is a balanced article.

Kim	Posted: February 05, 2008 1:58 PM

As a Christian, I believe that all knowledge comes from God. Medicine can, like everything else, be used for evil. Since God gave medical professionals knowledge, they assist Him with healing. He can and will heal, the methodology can be through others' work. Health care in the US is not so much about care as it is about money. Until insurance companies, drug companies and for profit medical groups are reeled in there won't be affordable, fair health care. It's about the money. The Bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil. The evil perpretrated on our citizenry in the name of cutting health care costs is atrocious. Unfortunately, those same companies help fund many politicians' campaigns and lifestyles. There is always hope, but hope doesn't lie within the government, it lies within a citizenry committed to prayer for change. Is that available? (Rhetorical question!)

Leroy

Posted: February 05, 2008 1:24 PM

Ironically, this article does exactly what it warns us not to do, bases its view on a single value concern, namely making health care a single value concern, rather than evaluating the merits of valuing health care over say national security, environmental concerns, immigration, etc. There is not an endless supply of money, and whether a great portion should go to health care or another value, is a matter of debate, which requires far more thought than went into this article.

Bob Johnson

Posted: February 05, 2008 1:06 PM


I'm a Deist and not a Christian. Please explain to me why Christians worry about health care when they believe in faith-healing. Why don't Christians just make mass visits to hospitals and heal everyone? Mark 16:18 says you can, so why don't you? Thanks! Progress! Bob Johnson http://www.deism.com

Dennis Renner

Posted: February 05, 2008 1:03 PM

This is the the most helpful application of the parable of the good samaritan to our modern situation I have encountered, so I am glad I signed up for the Christianity Today e-mail newsletter. By modern situation, I mean we are nnot living in the Middle East with a Roman government. We live in a democracy where we have to become informed about policy issues and help our leaders resolve problems treating all of God's children in accordance with teachings in the Bible. Leaving children and other vulnerable human beings "along the side of the road" when they are wounded or ill does not seem compatible with following Christ. Thanks for contributing to our understanding of health care issues in the United States.

Dave	Posted: February 05, 2008 12:16 PM

In response to Peter P.....you are correct, health care is not a right. But don't you think that in a country as great and powerful as the united states, one that has been as prosperous and blessed with the resourses that we have been given, don't you think that just maybe the health care system is a little out of balalnce? Have you seen any starving doctors lately? I would suggest that you get a little closer to the heartbeat of those that don't have insurance, or can barely afford it, and you might see the need for a change in this area. I am 44 years old, I have a wife and two kids, our family income is near $50,000, I have a small mortgage on my 100 year old house, I have two cars, one 8 years old, the other 9 years old, I pay for my own health care because my employer did not want to be in the health care business, it cost the company to much money he said......and my insurance premiums just went up 30%, I really cannot afford the increase, its an extra $2400 per year!

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