5 Religious Perspectives on U.S. Health Care Reform

Health care reform is a hot-button issue across the United States. The 2010 Affordable Care Act made it easier for Americans to get insurance, but you might still struggle with high prescription costs and other out-of-pocket expenses. Economic conditions and medical bills put more strain on you and your community than ever before.  

As politicians debate solutions, you can look to religious leaders for guidance on advocating and determining the right thing to do. 

Health care reform and religion are more related than you might think. Different faiths provide various viewpoints based on their beliefs, religious texts and moral considerations. 

5 Religious Perspectives on Health Care Reform

Most religions favor health care reform. However, everyone has varying beliefs and opinions, shaping their stances. 

Here are five religious views on health care reform in the U.S. Though the details differ, each religion’s overall message is the same: We need to help each other.

1. Christianity 

Christianity is among the most divided religions on various issues, especially in the United States. This is due to the multiple denominations and sects throughout the country. 

Most Christians were against the Affordable Care Act when it was introduced in 2010. However, opinions were deeply divided among race, ethnicity and denomination. Research found that non-Hispanic white Christians were the most opposed to the act, while most Latinos were for it. Black Christians had the highest percentage of people supporting the ACA. 

Much of the division among Christians is due to their views on abortion and health care overall. For example, Catholicism and Jehovah’s Witnesses prohibit abortion, while Seventh-Day Adventists and multiple Protestant denominations discourage but allow it. Sects also vary on other health care issues, such as birth control, blood transfusions and euthanasia. 

Though there is much division, most Christians in the United States hold Republican or right-leaning views. They were against universal health care due to strong government involvement, although the party is now more divided on the issue than before. 

Though they may not support current reform efforts, many Christians support health care sharing ministries, where a group of people submits their bills for others to contribute. Members often have to pay less than a typical insurance plan since organizations don’t fund medications and procedures that go against their beliefs. 

2. Judaism

Overall, Judaism is for health care reform, which they advocate for through the Reform Jewish Movement. More than 3 million Americans practice the Jewish religion. 

In Judaism, there is a belief that everyone has the right to health care. The Torah teaches that there is a responsibility to care for everyone. Health care professionals and the community must ensure everyone gets the treatment they need. The Torah states that it’s one of the services cities must offer if they’re worthy for a great scholar to live there. 

Sh’mirat haguf is the concept of guarding the body and soul, which health care is important for maintaining. 

3. Islam

There are more than 3.5 million Muslims in the United States. Many people in the Islamic community are leading the way in supporting others by rejecting traditional insurance due to the uncertainty of it and interest charging, which goes against an interpretation of the Koran. However, many groups make exceptions for health insurance. 

During the debate across the United States over universal health care, more than 70 Muslim-led free clinics popped up across the country. A study found that more than 50,000 patients attended these clinics for annual checkups. 

Originally thought to be an option for the Islamic community, the clinics cater to both Muslim and low-income patients. However, research shows that almost half of the patients were not Muslim. 

4. Hinduism

Karma is a part of Hindu scriptures. It focuses on cause and effect, where each individual creates their own destiny through their thoughts and actions. Hindus believe karma plays a role in medical situations for some health issues. 

More than 1 million people practice Hinduism in America. Though they believe current or past lives play a role in health, many subscribe to selfless giving and helping others heal. Medical care like blood transfusions and organ donations are encouraged. 

The religion also encourages gratitude for any help someone receives with forms of care. Hinduism focuses on preserving physical health for as long as possible but accepting death when it’s no longer possible. 

5. Buddhism

Millions of Americans practice Buddhism in the United States. The religion advocates for health care reform to provide material and environmental support to all, while the Buddha, dharma and sangha provide spiritual support. 

The religion also supports reform thanks to the power of manifestation. Author Elizabeth Zach argues that everyone deserves free health care because they can only manifest self-reliance when in good health. 

Health Care Issues in the U.S.

There are many health care-related issues currently in the United States, including the following: 

• High health care costs and insurance issues disproportionately affect Black, Hispanic and low-income people. 
• Many senior Americans (65+) delay seeking health care treatment due to the costs. 
• Around four in 10 insured adults still struggle with health care expenses. 
• One-fourth of Americans struggle to pay for their prescriptions. 
• A 2022 poll showed that health insurance was the second-highest financial concern for Americans, just behind gasoline and transportation costs. 
• More than two-thirds of Americans worry about unexpected health care expenses. 
• Research shows that nearly half of Americans couldn’t afford an unexpected $500 medical bill. 
• Unequal access to quality care leaves people who need it most without it. 

With many problems to solve, it’s no question why you might worry about the future of health care in the country. 

Looking at Health Care From a Religious Perspective

Health care is one of the top issues facing Americans in 2023. You might struggle to get out of debt and afford basic medical necessities. When living with medical costs and hearing political arguments about the systems in place, it can be hard to know what to think. 

Different religious organizations can give you a moral perspective on many issues, even if you do not practice their religion. Seeking guidance from other leaders and organizations can help you understand how Americans of various beliefs want the country to move forward.