Many of my christian conservative friends have major problems with the Affordable Care Act and are very verbal about their "hatred" of it. So it got me to thinking...What does the Bible have to say about the specific healthcare policies in the ACA? Actually, a lot.
You may take liberty with some of my Biblical research. I do not claim to know the Bible well. But the research I did do, does lead me to believe that the principles in the ACA do follow the teaching of the Bible and Christ in particular. The Bible has a lot to say about caring for your family and others, equality and fairness, and money.
Here's my research on Biblical scripture to support the policies of the ACA.
The ACA:
* Let’s millions of young people stay on their parent’s health insurance until they’re 26.
1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
* Ends insurance company power to cap the amount of care a person can receive in their lifetime.
1 John 3:17-18
But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
* Stops insurance companies from canceling coverage when someone gets sick.
Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast our demons. You received without paying; give without pay.
* Lowers the cost of care for those on medicare and helps seniors pay for their medicine.
1 Timothy 5
But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.
* Requires insurance companies to cover preventive services like mammograms, free of charge.
Psalm 35:27
The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.
* Strengthens and protects Medicare by increasing penalties for fraud.
Leviticus 19:11
You shall not steal: you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.
* Stops insurance companies from denying coverage for children with pre-existing conditions.
Psalm 127:3
Behold, children area heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
* Ends insurance company’s power to jack up rates without justification.
Song of Solomon 2:15
Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. (You kill the vines, you kill the fruit of the vines)
* Provides Americans with rebates from insurers who spend too much on administrative costs and not medical care.
Proverbs 11:1
A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.
* Gives tax credits to small business owners so they can afford to offer quality health care for their employees.
Proverbs 22:1
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
* Builds and improves hundreds of community health centers.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
* Gives hard working Americans tax credits so they can afford to buy health insurance.
2 Corinthians 12:14
Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is your but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
* In 2014 ends discrimination against adults with pre-existing conditions.
2 Corinthians 8:13
For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness.
* In 2014 prevents insurance companies from charging women more than men.
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
* In 2014 Creates state-based marketplace where people can easily shop and compare insurance policies.
Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.