Health Care in Religious Communities: The Case of Catholic Nuns and Christian Communism
Religious communities, particularly in the Catholic tradition, offer unique solutions to the issue of health care, often pooling resources and resources to support their members. This article explores how health care is managed within religious orders such as Catholic nuns and how theirapproach aligns with the principles of Christian communism, drawing historical and contemporary examples.
Health Costs and Financial Support in Religious Orders
In Catholic religious orders, particularly for individuals like nuns, health care costs are not typically the responsibility of the individual. Instead, the religious order is responsible for covering health expenses, as demonstrated in the case of a nun who joined an order facing a health issue. Despite having no issues during her initial years, her health problem flared up after several years of training, leading the order to decide she would have to leave due to the financial burden. The loss of a beloved member demonstrates the significant financial responsibility required of the order.
Historical Context: Christian Communism in Early Christian Communities
The concept of shared resources and mutual support has a rich history in Christianity, tracing back to the early Christian communities described in the New Testament. The Book of Acts particularly highlights the practice of sharing all things in common, a principle known as Christian communism. This practice was based on the belief that wealth was meant to be shared among believers, reflecting a society that valued communal support rather than individual financial gain.
Modern Practice: How Religious Orders Manage Health Care
As a member of the American Cassinese Benedictine religious order, I can attest to the systems in place to manage health care costs. Members who have jobs that provide medical insurance contribute to the system, while those without such benefits have their medical insurance paid for by the community. This approach ensures that all basic needs are met, from food and heating to medical care.
For unexpected expenses, such as copays and non-covered treatments, the community also bears the financial burden. There are also provisions in place to fund retirement and health care for the elderly, similar to pension plans and government programs like Medicare. Even during an active career, a small contribution is made towards this fund. In times of retirement or disability, members can rely on withdrawals from the fund or current assets and income.
One of the advantages of being part of a larger community is that a big health care bill is less likely to be catastrophic. Additionally, the community tends to be prudent in its medical decisions, often opting for less expensive or routine treatments rather than opting for expensive or extraordinary treatments that do not offer a promising recovery.
Furthermore, the community places a strong emphasis on caring for members at home, utilizing the knowledge and support of the community rather than immediately turning to nursing homes. This approach not only supports the health of the community member but also helps in reducing overall health care costs.
Conclusion
Religious orders, including Catholic nuns, have developed unique strategies to manage health care costs through pooled resources and community support. This approach, reflecting early Christian principles of shared resources, effectively mitigates individual financial burdens and fosters a supportive community environment. Understanding these practices can provide insights into alternative models of care that prioritize communal well-being over individual financial struggles.