Tennessee Passes Legislation Protecting Health Care Sharing Ministries
Tennessee has recently passed the “Healthcare Sharing Ministries Freedom to Share Act,” joining more than 30 other states in protecting health care sharing ministries within its borders. Sponsored by Sen. Shane Reeves, the bill ensures access to faith-based health care for Tennessee individuals who are members of such ministries. The act is considered a “safe harbor” law, exempting health care sharing ministries from additional requirements under the state insurance code.
Health care sharing ministries are nonprofit organizations where individuals with similar beliefs, often Christianity, come together to share medical expenses outside of traditional insurance. Members pay for each other’s medical expenses after submission for reimbursement, with some ministries having specific rules and parameters for reimbursement.
The bill is based on “model legislation” from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and has received support from the Tennessee Attorney General and the Department of Commerce and Insurance. The goal is to protect the 28,000 Tennesseans currently using health care sharing ministries from potential exploitation by ensuring that information and resources are available to them. Mayor O’Connell and other lawmakers have emphasized the importance of providing transparency and support for those who rely on health care sharing ministries for their medical needs in the state.
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