There is little information available on Medicare that is written from the standpoint of Christian Science coverage and benefits. The following addresses Medicare and Health Insurance from the standpoint of Christian Science benefits.
Medicare
New Medicare legislation was enacted by Congress in 1997. It was designed to accommodate the religious needs not only of Christian Scientists, but also of others who “rely upon a religious method of healing and for whom the acceptance of medical health services would be inconsistent with their religious beliefs.”
This legislation created a new category of Medicare provider, the Religious Non-medical Health Care Institution (RNHCI).
Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association is a Medicare provider designated as a “Religious Non-medical Health Care Institution (RNHCI)” and participates as such in the Medicare program.
Medicare is a Federal program for those who are over 65 or those who are disabled. It was designed to cover short-term hospital stays. Medicare has Parts A, B, C & D. We will address only Part A & B in this section.
Part A of Medicare is a Social Security benefit and pays for care in a Christian Science nursing facility that is a Medicare provider. Part A of Medicare covers your Christian Science nursing care, room, meals, and some supplies in a RNHCI.
MEDICARE for Christian Scientists
Parts A & B
One of the best sources for general information about Medicare is the website, www.medicare.gov. Most basic questions about Medicare are covered in the government booklet, Medicare & You 2010, which can be read online or downloaded from the website. Medicare & You defines Medicare Parts A & B.
“Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover your inpatient care in hospitals,” the booklet says. You have to dig further to learn that Part A also covers “Inpatient care in a Religious Nonmedical Health Care Institution” (RNHCI). RNHCI is the term used to identify Christian Science nursing facilities such as Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association. Until 1997 the Medicare regulations identified Christian Science nursing facilities as Christian Science “sanatoriums.”
“Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover medically-necessary services like doctors’ services and outpatient care.” Medicare Part B does not directly cover any of the services at a RNHCI such as the BA. So, it is easy to understand that “Why would a Christian Scientist enroll in Part B?” is the most frequently asked question we receive.
In speaking to Christian Scientists over the last twenty years, we have found the following to be the most common reasons for enrolling in Part B:
- Part B is required for Medigap Insurance (a type of private health insurance that we will cover later in the series).
- If a Christian Scientist went to the hospital for an x-ray following a fall or to have a bone set by a surgeon, Medicare Part B would help cover those services.
- Christian Scientists may have family members who request they have Part B to give the family members peace of mind.
Another frequent question is “Can I enroll in Part B at a later time?” Yes, you can enroll later. But depending on how much later, and the circumstances delaying enrollment, there may be a penalty. The booklet, Enrolling in Medicare, covers this in detail. This booklet can also be viewed or downloaded from www.medicare.gov.
We are happy to answer any questions that you have regarding Medicare and health insurance for Christian Scientists or to send you a packet of information on Medicare, health insurance, and health care proxies. Please call us at 617-734-5600 or email inquiry@chbenevolent.org.
Medigap Insurance – Medicare Supplement
