RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF NON-PROFIT HEALTH MINISTRIES

WHEREAS, health care cost support is an essential element of economic security for American families; and,

WHEREAS, individuals and families need more health care cost support choices, not fewer; and,

WHEREAS, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators recognizes the great work of religious organizations; and,

WHEREAS, voluntary healthcare cost-sharing ministries are proven vehicles through which people of the community can obtain low-cost health care support through the sharing of financial gifts used to meet medical expenses for members; and,

WHEREAS, it is a benefit to people of faith to have access to a voluntary, cost-sharing ministry that does not deny people membership, raise their monthly financial gifts or cancel their participation because of a medical condition; and,

WHEREAS, these ministries are helpful and valuable additions to meeting the needs of Americans, particularly in that there is no assignment of risk or contracts between parties; participation is strictly voluntary, enabling people of all backgrounds to exercise religious freedom as they meet their desire for medical health care cost support; and,

WHEREAS, such ministries operate in all 50 states, serving tens of thousands of Americans, and Missouri through its tax laws has recognized the value and importance of such ministries to their members; and,

WHEREAS, this option contributes to a solution to the health care cost support needs of African- Americans; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators recognizes the valuable work of these organizations and urges states considering a form of universal health coverage to recognize Healthcare Ministry programs and ensure that their citizens have the freedom to make personal health care cost support choices according to their individual needs.

Sponsor: Representative Joe Armstrong (TN)
Committee of Jurisdiction: Committee on Health and Human Services
Certified by Committee Chair: Representative Joe Armstrong (TN)
Ratified in Plenary Session; Ratification Date: December 12, 2008
Ratification Certified by: Representative Calvin Smyre (GA), President