Here are two quick things you can do to fight the popularity of two different forms of non-scientific "medical treatment."

In the US, it's hardly news that the government is looking into universal health care. And while this enormous issue is beyond the scope of things that we cover in Swift, there is something you should be aware of. Stephen Barrett of Quackwatch.org sent us this:

Reported versions of the House and Senate health reform bills contain language that would mandate coverage of services (prayer) by Christian Science practitioners.

To locate the House bill, go to:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3200:

Pick the "reported version and search the page for Sec. 125. H.R.3200

America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 (Reported in House)

SEC. 125. PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION IN HEALTH CARE SERVICES BASED ON RELIGIOUS OR SPIRITUAL CONTENT.

Neither the Commissioner nor any health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage through the Exchange shall discriminate in approving or covering a health care service on the basis of its religious or spiritual content if expenditures for such a health care service are allowable as a deduction under 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as in effect on January 1, 2009

To locate the Senate bill, go to:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.1679: and search the page for Section 3103(a)(1)(d)

S. 1679 3103(a)(1)(D).  PROGRAM DESIGN

The essential benefits provided for in subparagraph (A) shall include a requirement that there be non-discrimination in health care in a manner that, with respect to an individual who is eligible for medical or surgical care under a qualified health plan offered through a Gateway, prohibits the Administrator of the Gateway, or a qualified health plan offered through the Gateway, from denying such individual benefits for religious or spiritual health care, except that such religious or spiritual health care shall be an expense eligible for deduction as a medical care expense as determined by Internal Revenue Service Rulings interpreting section 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as of January 1, 2009

If you're in the US, and don't feel that the public should pay for prayer in the stead of medicine, consider contacting your local legislators. I don't know what expense there is for prayer, but given the spread of treatments like therapeutic touch in our hospitals, if they can find a way to bill for it, they will.

And in Germany, an organization called (translated) Homeopaths Without Borders is about to win 10,000 euros because of their generosity in giving out water to treat illness abroad. This is a vote-to-win situation, so you can actually make a difference by voting for the second group at this link. It's in German, but if you click on the orange button at the side, you'll cast a vote for the second place group. For more information on that case, read PZ's blog entry.

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written by ConTester, October 15, 2009

Does this mean I could get refunds for my John Edward and Sylvia Browne invoices too?

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written by Bruno, October 15, 2009

The write-up on the group "Sozialhelden" Jeff is calling on us to vote for also contains this paragraph which clearly shows they've got their brains in the right spot as well as their heart:

"Wir glauben: Wer etwas verändern will, braucht keinen roten Umhang und auch keine Superkräfte. Engagement, Überzeugung und Mut reichen voll und ganz. Unsere sozialen "Heldentaten" sind der beste Beweis dafür."

(We believe: whoever wishes to make the difference needs neither a red cloak nor superpowers. Engagement, conviction and courage quite suffice. Our social "heroics" are the best evidence of that.)

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written by Murifex, October 15, 2009

I'm german, and just did "my duty".

Seems like the other guys are ahead now. And they deserve it much more than the Quacks. Thanks for bringing this poll to my attention.

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written by Kuro Nyanko, October 16, 2009

Just because they will not be allowed to discriminate based on religious or spiritual content, does not mean they are mandated to cover woo treatments that don't work. They are allowed to discriminate on scientific evidence and efficacy. As it should be.
The fact some treatment has religious or spiritual content is not an argument against it, the fact that it does not work is the argument.

I would be interested in what someone that actually understands legalese and has studied these bills and the issue of health care has to say about it. Because what I've read here about seems rather baseless alarmism.

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written by hopfen, October 16, 2009

I don't see this wording as authorizing any woo treatments. It depends on how "health care service" is defined. The provided links open to blank pages for me, so I can't check that out.

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Some Additional Information
written by Rustylizard, October 16, 2009

For some reason, the links didn’t work for me either. The Senate bill Jeff quotes says that if a spiritual health care expense can be deducted on your income tax return, it must also be eligible for payment by a qualified health plan. Christian Science practitioners often charge for their prayers (treatment) and these expenses are currently eligible for deduction under IRS rules. They would be covered under this bill. This opens the door for ANY religion to adapt and drink from the money tap. Go to ffrf.org and download the archived Oct 3, 09 podcast with Rita Swan, director of CHILD (Childrens Healthcare is a Legal Duty) to get some good information. I believe Kerry-Hatch sponsored this amendment (or another like it).

I got an email from Nathan Bupp from the Center for Inquiry that there is another bad bill out there—the Harkin amendment (promoted by Harken – D – Iowa, Mikluski – D – Maryland, and Enzi – R Wyoming). This bill aims to prevent “discrimination” against alternative medical providers, and you can bet that every woo-woo lobbyist in the country will be hard at work to promote it. Go to http://www.centerforinquiry.net/touch for more information.

I emailed my congressman and every member of the Senate Committee, but received only one reply from Bill Nelson of Florida. It was generic and did not even address the issue.

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thanks for the link
written by blueshift, October 16, 2009

And one more vote for the good guys from me in Holland.
Let's hope the Germans get wise to these water-merchants!

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written by pxatkins, October 16, 2009

Vote on the German page and make a difference. Poke woo in the eye!

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What about chiropractic and acupuncture
written by DKrap, October 19, 2009

My employer provided health plan not only provides for prayer for those that believe in Christian science, but also chriopractic and acupuncture benefits. When the plan announced an increase in the premiums, most of which was passed on to the employees, I tried to find out how much money was spent on prayer, chirorpractic and acupunture. My request was denied. I further protested the inclusion of these "benefits" in the coverage to no avail. How much would my permium be reduced if these useless "treatments" were eliminated. This issue goes way beyond just the national health care reform, but extends to existing employer provided coverage.

Secondly, why does a Christian Scientist need health care coverage at all? Don't they just pray for health? That should be free and not require a health plan or providor.

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written by MattDMan1984, October 20, 2009

DKrap, I think you are being very idealistic... not that that is necessarily a bad thing.

Put simply, there will (probably) always be snake oil salesmen. If fervent and honest prayer is all that's needed for the treatment of disease according to Christian Scientist beliefs, then there is indeed no 'need' to pay for such a service. Yet some people pay... and other people charge, may they rot.

Or were your questions rhetorical, and my point also your point?

P.S.: I don't know anything about the beliefs of Christian Scientists.

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written by newshopstyle, November 02, 2009

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There's a long article about this in today's Washington Post
written by garyg, November 23, 2009

It also mentions that IRS rules say that prayer "costs" are deductible!

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