How to Work with Obamacare?

I am trying to see what creative ideas will help our Christian colleagues work well with Obamacare. I downloaded a long Power Point show from Kaiser Permanente  last week that covers the major changes in  the laws.

There are two divisions of the law.

1. This part has to do with insurance, who is covered, what it will cost, what groups must pay and what groups will get money from the Feds, etc. In other words, the business side of the law. The changes are massive, confusing, costly and radically different from anything we have ever done before. No one really understands what to do but it is clear that lawyers, accountants and insurance agents will become even more important than they are now. It is also clear that it will cost an amazing amount of money to implement.

2. This part has to do with the delivery of services. It details what Doctors and Hospitals will be paid to do and what patients will be expected to do on their own. The changes are massive, confusing, dramatic, unknown and have never been tried before.It turns current health care practices upside down. Some of the changes can be very good and some are not so good.

It has many ways we Christians can be helpful to our friends, families and fellow citizens. However, it will require us to learn and change. But, if we make the changes we can be used by the Lord to be very important players in health care.

Of course, the law will change but we can get a sense of how it will impact every person, church, business and organization in America. Just imagine, there are some 350 million persons in America and every one will have to change his/her health habits starting January 1,2014.

Almost every time a person or group discusses Obamacare the focus is on #1. Business and Finances. That is critically important for the church. Churches will pay more for their health care coverage. Some say as much as 100% more. How is your budget looking for 2014?

Part #2. is also key. If you are not already working on how to thrive in ministry when 2014 comes you will be utterly lost and shocked.

(Experts tell me that 2014 arrives next January 1 no matter whether we are ready for Obamacare or not.)

Has anybody in your denomination or fellowship been discussing the new law and how to cope and thrive in ministry and in your budget? If so which part have you discussed, #1. or #2.?

 I have not spoken to anyone who even knows that most of the changes exist let alone discuss ways to minister more effectively.

What are your plans? What will you do to prepare your members for 2014? Do you realize how this will impact them? What will your church do to help them get healthier? (The key is wellness!) Are you preparing the business owners in your church about the new law? Are you prepared to add new programs and health care related events to your calender?

With whom are you consulting to develop a plan? 
With whom are you working to develop healthier people?
Where will you go to be a healthier church or business? 

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Gary Sweeten