My Healthcare Freedoms Infringed

Written By: Travis Buhler  |  Posted: Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012

                The question has been asked if we have a basic right to healthcare.  The loaded reply to "yes" would be that the recent Supreme Court-approved health care overhaul is a good step toward ensuring that right.

                We have a right to healthcare.  It is part of our basic rights to life and to pursue happiness.  But a right is something that God has given us liberty to pursue.  The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) has nothing to do with rights.  It is about forcing someone into a government approved health system.  "Force" is not a part of "rights", it is the opposite, whether the force is legitimate or not.

                Twelve years ago I made a decision for my family that I was not going to participate in the common system of healthcare as we knew it.  I chose not to buy health insurance and I could not in good conscience take government welfare.

                What I have been doing instead is a number of things.  I have a midwife deliver my children.  It costs me hundreds, not thousands.  I chose doctors that treat those who pay in cash.  Their prices are cheaper because of less paperwork. 

                I eat healthy, and strive to eat organic or from producers I know personally.  I read up on health and diet matters.  When my child gets sick or has some sort of injury, I "google" it before I rush to the hospital. 

                I save money in case a large bill comes my way.

                I am active in a local community group and keep good relations to those in my neighborhood.  I also keep good relations with my relatives.  What does this have to do with healthcare?  When I had a child in a hospital, I was able to pay off the $6,000 bill in a year by making payments and through the help of relatives and my church.  I in return have contributed to various health needs of friends and family.

                I know a man who has the same healthcare approach.  When he got a $10,000 bill for a couple hours in the emergency room, he negotiated with the hospital until he got it reduced to around $5,000.

                Some may say, "Those who have health insurance have to pay for the other $5,000, which is why our costs keep going up".  That is not true.  Insurance companies pay about 50% to 60% of the total costs after they are done negotiating with the hospital.  The government gets by with 30% to 40%.  Those of us who pay cash typically pay full price.  If someone has no healthcare and does not pay their bill, the problem is their lack of responsibility, not their lack of healthcare.

                My healthcare system demands a strong faith in God and resistance to the "it's not if, but when" statements of compassionate insurance salesmen and family members.  There are other similar systems out there.  There are ministries where members pool their money together for health care.  The costs are cheaper than insurance and they are allowed under PPACA.  The Amish and Mennonites also have a similar system.  They are exempt from the insurance mandate.

                Neither I nor they are forcing anyone to join our healthcare systems.  If you want to have insurance or have the government pay for your care, go ahead.

                But don't force me to join your system.  PPACA and the insurance mandate do not give nor defend any rights.  It is force.  It is no different than the government saying you have the right to religion and therefore forcing you to attend a government-approved church.

                This Independence Day, let us remember those who died for our freedom.  Their sacrifice should not be wasted.   May God use the cowardice of Justice Roberts to inspire a new generation to pledge their sacred lives and honor for freedom.

                Travis Buhler is the Editor of the US Journal and the Eau Claire Journal.  His email address is travis@eauclairejournal.com.