National Health Care Reform and Amish People
How the Amish Community will be Affected by Obama's Health Reform
Nov 6, 2009
Although the national health care reform plan intends to increase health care insurance coverage among United States citizens using such methods as the public option, the plan may include a clause about the necessity for everyone to find coverage. Mandatory health insurance would be something that goes against the traditional ways of some people who live in the United States. National health care reform could affect the Amish in a negative way if coverage is proclaimed to be mandatory.
The Problem of Health Care Reform and the Amish Community in America
The Amish community has denied modernized standards of living and has so far maintained the right to keep their traditional ways, provided by the First Amendment of the US Constitution. With such landmark cases as Wisconsin v. Yoder, the Amish have prevailed in maintaining traditions that may contradict some laws.
One of the beliefs that is prevalent among members of Amish communities is that modern medicine is to be avoided because traditional medicine and healing keeps the people closer to God. Therefore, if health insurance was mandatory for all citizens, some fundamental Amish would be forced to pay premiums for a service that they would likely avoid using.
From a Constitutional Standpoint the Amish could Refuse Mandatory Health Insurance with the Reform
The First Amendment stresses the importance of freedom of religion and free practice, which means that not only will no one be forced to submit to the religious ways of others, but people will be free to practice their religions even if certain religious traditions go against federal and state laws (within reason: for instance, human sacrifice would still be prohibited).
Furthermore, the federal government may not make laws that are to be upheld by members of certain religions when the laws interfere with religious practice. From a constitutional standpoint, the health care reform plan and the Amish traditions may not coincide, and according to the Constitution, the Amish would therefore be exempt from mandatory health insurance coverage.
Another View on Health Care Reform and the Amish Community
The purpose of the health care reform bill is to protect Americans, so that they will be prepared when coverage is needed. If health care insurance is not mandatory, some people, like certain members of Amish communities will be left uninsured, and chaos could ensue in instances when serious health problems or accidents arise, and when treatment is absolutely necessary for Amish people who remain uninsured.
Likely, if it is mandatory, a Supreme Court case will be heard on the matter.
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