On the recordApril 13, 2010
I would like to associate myself with the remarks of Senator Kerry. We share an interest in providing appropriate accommodation for spiritual and religious care in a reformed health insurance market. No American should be left worse off as a result of health reform. Some spiritual care--including that which is provided by Christian Science practitioners and Christian Science nurses--has been covered by certain health insurance policies for decades. For example, four plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program cover religious nonmedical nursing care and/or Christian Science practitioner services. They are the Government Employees' Health Association, the Mail Handlers Benefit Plan, the Special Agents Mutual Benefit Association, and the Association Benefit Plan. Religious nonmedical nursing services are also covered under the Medicare and Medicaid Programs--42 U.S.C. Sec. 1395x(ss) and Sec. 1395i-5. TRICARE covers care in Christian Science nursing facilities, private duty Christian Science nursing services, and Christian Science practitioner services (10 U.S.C. Sec. 1079(a)(4)). And under section 223 of the Internal Revenue Code, funds contained in a health savings account may be used to pay for spiritual care (26 U.S.C. Sec. 223(d)(2)(A)). I have an interest in identifying a statutory way to affirm that health insurance companies may still cover this mode of care as part of their policies. Chairman Harkin has shown great leadership throughout health reform.
