It pays to be Amish

[TripleDigitRide]

FOXNews.com - Health Care Mandate Applies to All -- Except the Amish

Health Care Mandate Applies to All -- Except the Amish

Most Americans would have to prove they have insurance or face a fine under the health reform legislation that is now nearing the finish line in Congress, but at least one group won't have to worry, on religious grounds.

Democrats are planning to exempt the Amish and similar religious groups from the health insurance mandate in the final health care bill.

That's because when the Amish need medical care, they go to regular doctors and hospitals and pay in cash often with financial help from their church and neighbors. They rely on each other, not the government or insurance companies as a tenet of their faith.

"The Amish believe it's the fundamental responsibility of the church to care for the material needs of the members of the church," said Steven Nolt, a professor at Goshen College who has written books on the Plain community of Amish.

"And so they don't buy commercial health insurance and they don't participate in public assistance programs."

So while most Americans would be required to sign up with insurance companies or government insurance plans, the church would serve as something of an informal insurance plan for the Amish.

Law experts say that kind of exemption withstands scrutiny.

"Here the statue is going to say that people who are conscientiously opposed to paying for health insurance don't have to do it where the conscientious objection arises from religion," said Mark Tushnet a Harvard law professor. "And that's perfectly constitutional."

This would not be the first time the Amish received this type of special accommodation. Congress exempted this and other communities from Social Security and Medicare taxes since 1965 for the same religious reasons.

But if the Amish can opt out, then some civil libertarians say they want out, too -- not for religious reasons but because they don't think the underlying health insurance mandate is legal.

"If they can do it for religious objection, well, I have a different type of objection," said Ilya Shapiro, a senior fellow in constitutional studies at the libertarian Cato Institute said. "I think I'm being coerced into doing something against my will, and so the challenge would be from a different perspective."

[Rightwinger]

Brings up a good point. If they are going to point out the exceptions, then the providers need to start laying out a pricing list. You shouldn't pay a different rate for the services depending on the method of payment. They can set the price where they want to, I'll shop for their services within those prices.

A physical should cost X for someone paying with an insurance card or with cash. Bring the associated cost of something back to the consumer. It will drive the prices down.

Medical insurance needs to be turned back into insurance as well. Not this pay for everything crap that it is now. What would your car insurance be if you had oil changes and tire rotations on it for a 15 dollar co-pay?

You should pay for regular maintenance on your body and insurance should be for the big "wrecks".

[BlueRaiderFan]

I don't use public assistance programs. I also don't abuse my health insurance. I barely meet my deductible every year. Yet I'm still going to have to pay for someone else's healthcare. Gotta love our representatives.

Since I'm Catholic, if I conscientiously object to anything in the bill will I still be forced to pay? For that matter, if I conscientiously object to any other bill that forces me to pay a tax can I stop paying on grounds of religion?

This goes for all other religions also, I just happened to be Catholic.

And for those that don't believe in religion, can they claim they are being unjustly taxed because a religious group is exempt?

[Guest jackdm3]

I need to pick a religion and get in on this, quick!

[molonlabetn]

Would I have to prove I was Amish, I wonder...?

[Rightwinger]

A check of tax returns would pretty much knock us all out of the Amish running.

Gonna have to fall off the net.

[Chief07]

What a scam.

This applies to:

Amish

Congress

Unions

Obama contributors

Smells like it's illeagal to me.

[Guest SUNTZU]

YouTube - Tompall Glaser ~ Put Another Log On the Fire

Its voting season.

[Guest Muttling]

Brings up a good point. If they are going to point out the exceptions, then the providers need to start laying out a pricing list. You shouldn't pay a different rate for the services depending on the method of payment. They can set the price where they want to, I'll shop for their services within those prices.

I certainly agree with price lists, but I think cash customers deserve a cut rate. It saves the doctor a lot of money in administrative costs if he doesn't have to deal with an insurance company and it saves him money if he gets paid up front instead of waiting a month or more to get paid.

[gregintenn]

I honestly belive this from a religious standpoint. Why can't I opt out. Furthermore, since our country was based on Christian principles, why can't the entire country opt out? Surely thwere will be suits brought as to the constitutionality of this law once it passes.

[Guest jackdm3]

Do they lead a mostly-tax-free existence, other than the things they buy from us?

[MCSCOTT]

Do they lead a mostly-tax-free existence, other than the things they buy from us?

Yup. Kinda sounds like Fair Tax to me in a way.

[Il Duce]

whats the fine for not having it? hell it may be cheaper to pay the fine instead of the rediculous $100+ a month

[Guest drv2fst]

I think I'm becoming Amish. Wouldn't it be cool if their religion suddenly became the fastest growing in the country? It's a green way of living too so we can get Al Gore on board.

[Guest Bronker]

I think I'm becoming Amish. Wouldn't it be cool if their religion suddenly became the fastest growing in the country? It's a green way of living too so we can get Al Gore on board.

Reason enough for me to back away from this idea.

[Guest drv2fst]

If Gore becomes Amish, he's off the TV and worldwide misinformation tour.