Christian Scientists in Massachusetts want state lawmakers to define the difference between "healthcare" and "medical care" in the state's mandatory universal coverage initiative. Christian Scientists believe in faith healing rather than traditional medicine. Under the new law, employers must offer healthcare to all employees or be fined $295 per employee annually. Employees must enroll in the coverage but are exempt if they have "sincerely held religious beliefs" that are at odds with the healthcare provided. There is no exemption for employers. The Church notes it provides its employees with both traditional and faith-based plans. It believes spiritual healing qualifies as healthcare for Church followers and does not want to be penalized for those employees who chose this plan. The new law, they say, should apply to "healthcare" rather than stipulating the employers must provide "medical care."
For more on the exemption:
- read this Boston Globe article