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We were delighted that the voters in Missouri, including health care sharing ministry members, passed Prop C in early August, creating a law barring the government from requiring people to have health insurance or from penalizing those who do not. While it may be largely symbolic, the passage sent a clear message that health care freedom is essential and that the citizens desire to use their health care dollars as they desire. We applaud other States that will be voting later this year on similar ballot initiatives and encourage health care ministry members, and all patient centered thinkers, to support those initiatives.
- Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter signed a measure March 18th, requiring the state attorney general to sue the federal government if residents are forced to buy health insurance. Similar legislation is pending Governor Bob McDonnell’s signature. Additionally, at least 30 states have filed or pre-filed some version of legislation that seeks to protect the rights of patients to pay directly for medical services, and prohibits penalties levied on patients for declining participation in a particular health plan.
On January 14th, Representative Michelle Bachmann introduced House Bill 502, the Health Care Freedom of Choice Act. This bill would make medical expenses, including health care premiums, 100% tax-deductible for all individuals. Under current law, health insurance is tax-free for those who receive it through their employers. This bill would give this same tax benefit to people who buy their own health insurance or pay for medical care “out-of-pocket.” This could allow members of health care sharing ministries the freedom to use their health care dollars as they choose and receive equal tax treatment with those that purchase insurance or receive it through their employer. It is our prayer that this beneficial legislation will be enacted.
Current State Issues
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