Janiva Toler
Executive Director
Answers Your Questions on Healthcare

Question: When considering original Medicare, why would a Christian Scientist opt for Medicare Part B when Part B isn’t used at Christian Science nursing facilities?

Answer: You are right that it is Part A of original Medicare that is used at Christian Science nursing facilities such as the BA. However, here is a short list of reasons Part B might be considered:

1. Medicare Supplement Policies [often called Medigap policies] require Part B coverage
2. The setting of bones in a hospital is Part B coverage
3. In a situation in which an individual is not speaking for himself/herself and taken to the hospital, Part B coverage might be needed
4. As a comfort and at the request of spouses and other family members who are not students of Christian Science, individuals may consider Part B

If you have any questions you’d like me to answer on healthcare, leave a comment below.  If you prefer a private response, email me at: inquiry@chbenevolent.org

If you know someone who needs the most modest level of Christian Science nursing—Light Assistance, we have some exciting new changes to share with you:

• A more affordable pricing structure
• Easier to understand care levels based on the services provided
• A new informational brochure

Last year we announced that as a result of many requests from our Field, we expanded our Christian Science nursing services for those needing the most modest level of Christian Science nursing—Light Assistance.

Light Assistance is designed for those requiring a minimum level of Christian Science nursing services and assistance. Its tagline, “Supporting your Active Demonstration,” characterizes the unique role of Christian Science nursing in supporting healing and the continual unfolding of good in one’s experience.

Additionally, we’ve focused on making Light Assistance affordable and easily obtainable for those who would benefit from its services.

For a PDF of our new Light Assistance brochure, CLICK HERE

The path that an individual takes which leads them into the spiritual ministry of Christian Science nursing is unique to that person. We had the privilege of speaking with a recent graduate, Samuel Gatheru Muiruri, and asked him to trace those footsteps.

Back in 1993 when Samuel Muiruri joined his local branch church in Nairobi, Kenya, he had no idea that in a few years he would be coming to the United States and entering into the practice of Christian Science nursing. Nor did he imagine that in November of 2009 he would graduate from the Christian Science Nursing Arts Training program at Chestnut Hill. But he is a man of great faith and trust in God, so following God’s guidance and direction is as natural for him as breathing.

Samuel says that the Christian Science Nursing Arts program has supported him in being a clear transparency that allows the healing presence and tender care of divine Love to be seen and felt. He explained that this training program has allowed him to understand how to live the By-law “Christian Science Nurse” (Art. VIII, Sect. 31), in the Church Manual.

In fact, he says, that’s where the program begins. With the study of the By-law, the class enters into a discussion about ethics and principles that spring from this By-law and how all of this relates to taking proper care of a patient. This, in turn, leads to a thoughtful understanding of how to minister to the needs of that patient in a practical way. All of this supports spiritual growth and spiritual healing.

Samuel notes that every care situation begins with approaching the patient as a child of God. That selfless love, as illustrated in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan, imparts to the patient the ever-presence of the Christ and impels care that conveys God’s love and allness.

Throughout his training Samuel also found assurance in the practical mentoring portions of the Christian Science Nursing Arts program, which he describes as working side-by-side with a skilled mentor who gives continual feedback, supervision and training support.

Now active in his local branch church in Florida, as well as in his fulltime work as a Journal-listed Christian Science nurse at Daystar, Samuel has served as a Sunday School teacher for the 15-to-19-year-olds, and as Second Reader.