DAVE ROSS

It’s always been legal to opt-out of Obamacare

Oct 15, 2013, 6:40 AM | Updated: 11:19 am

People who participate in these Christian networks often pay around $370 a month – but instea...

People who participate in these Christian networks often pay around $370 a month - but instead of sending it to an insurance company - they send the money directly to other members on a list of approved medical needs. (AP Photo/File)

(AP Photo/File)

This whole shutdown was about people who felt forced into Obamacare. And yet, there has always been an exemption for anyone who wants it.

“It isn’t insurance, it’s a nationwide network of Christians who save money by sharing each other’s medical bills.”

That’s from an ad for a Health Care Cost-Sharing Ministry.

Jason Morris, pays about $370 a month to Samaritan Ministries – but instead of sending it to an insurance company – they send the money directly to other members on a list of approved medical needs.

“When I send my check I usually put a little sticky note on there that says I’m praying for you this month and you recognize that every dollar I send is going to go help that person who is experiencing that crisis right now.

And these groups, be they Christian, Muslim, or whatever, have always been exempt from Obamacare.

The challenge is that Obamacare premiums – thanks to government subsidies – are about 1/3rd of Samaritan Ministries charges.

But James Lansbury of Samaritan Ministries told Reason-TV he doesn’t think Christians will jump ship just to save money.

“This is part of who we are, it’s part of our DNA as the Christian church. I wanted to be part of something where the body of Christ was actually banding together doing what the Bible commanded in a more personal and real way.”

But the point is, for anyone with a religious objection, or who doesn’t believe in government subsidies, or who wants no part of contraception coverage, or who just wants out – there’s a way to break free from Obamacare, and it’s been there from the beginning.

Dave's Commentary

Dave Ross on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
  • listen to dave rossTune in to KIRO Newsradio weekdays at 5am for Dave Ross on Seattle's Morning News.

Dave Ross

car culture...

Dave Ross

Ross: Are we killing car culture? Or is car culture killing the US?

I don’t think the question is whether we're going to "kill" our car culture. The real question is can we stop our car culture from killing the U.S.?

4 days ago

drivers data insurance...

Dave Ross

Ross: As cars release driving data to insurance, is your driving my business?

Every move you make, every swerve you take, every lane change you fake – someone’s watching you. Do drivers have a right to keep driving data private?

11 days ago

rent control...

Dave Ross

Ross: Rent control was never the answer in Wash.

The rent control bill died in the Washington State Legislature this week, even though Democrats control both houses.

1 month ago

end of democracy...

Dave Ross

Ross: Conservative activist earns applause for pledging an ‘end of Democracy’

The theme from Jack Posobiec's speech is that Jan. 6 was a righteous attack not on democracy, but on those who threaten democracy.

1 month ago

Image: Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado, is seen on Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, 2023. (Photo: Alex Brand...

Dave Ross

Ross: Voters can help cull bad politicians from the herd early

Let's remember that just about every occupant of a higher office once occupied a lower office, and was put there by us, Dave Ross says.

1 month ago

Super Bowl celebration...

Dave Ross

Ross: The NFL does it again

The NFL once again put on a show that was able to keep me tuned in for four hours even though I had no stake in either team.

2 months ago

It’s always been legal to opt-out of Obamacare