The Equal Access to Care and Health (EACH) Act
The bill, aimed at exempting members of the Church of Christian Science from the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, would exempt individuals who oppose receiving medical treatment based on their religious beliefs. Because this bill creates an exemption for those who merely would refuse to use certain forms of medical treatment, rather than for those who have a religious objection to insurance, this exemption does not actually alleviate a burden on religion. In addition, creating an exemption where one is not necessary is problematic, as we have seen in Hobby Lobby. We are concerned that such an exemption would set a precedent leading to more exemptions from the ACA for religion in the future.
House Bill Status: Died at the end of the 2015-2016 federal legislative session
Senate Bill Status: Introduced on February 3, 2015
Read the text of the House and Senate versions of this bill.
Letters
Read Americans United's letter to the House Ways and Means Committee
Blogs