The Supreme Court ruling in the Hobby Lobby case continues to be controversial to some as evidenced by an attempt in the U.S. Senate to overturn the ruling through legislation. Critics say that your employer should not determine which birth control you use. Supporters say employers shouldn’t have to pay for birth control that violates their religious convictions.
I would essentially agree with both statements and argue that is why we should get government and employers out of the medical decisions you should be able to make without their interference.
Dr. Ben Carson makes that point in a recent column talking about health saving accounts. He also acknowledges that: “People have legitimate differences of opinion about the appropriateness of various forms of birth control.” He also agrees that we shouldn’t force people or businesses to fund controversial forms of birth control if they have moral objections. He therefore asks: “Wouldn’t it be fairer and make more sense for people wanting some form of birth control to pay for it themselves?”
Health savings accounts can be funded in a number of ways. This would give each of us total control of our health care dollars. We can determine how we want to spend our money and on which drugs and medical procedures. Dr. Carson also explains that family members could also shift money in their account to another family member who may need a particular test or procedure. This is a level of flexibility we do not currently have because of government regulations and insurance company policies and procedures.
Dr. Carson laments that the complex rules of Obamacare severely restrict the use and application of health savings accounts. This is indeed unfortunate because these accounts would answer the two complaints I mentioned earlier. You (not your employer) would determine which birth control you would use. And employers would not have to pay for birth control that violates their religious convictions.
Health savings account would be simple, effective, and allow for greater patient freedom without violating their religious freedom.