Kentucky attorneys seek for Christian healthcare group to be found in contempt
|
June 30, 2012
Frankfort, Kentucky: Attorneys for Kentucky's Department of Insurance are seeking for Florida-based company Medi-Share to be found in contempt of court. The state has had an ongoing dispute with the healthcare group for the past decade. The company, which functions similarly to insurance but is known as a cost-sharing ministry, only serves Christians who do not drink, smoke, or engage in pre-marital sex.[1] Medi-Share serves roughly 700 Kentucky residents.[2]
Last year the Kentucky Supreme Court found that Medi-Share is subject to the same oversight as secular insurance providers.[1] In March of 2011, circuit court judge Thomas D. Wingate issued a permanent injunction against Medi-Share, however the ministry has continued to operate within the state.[1][2] As a result attorneys for the state have sought to hold the ministry in contempt. Following the request Medi-Share has asked for a hearing to explain changes they have made in their business, presumably bringing them in line with applicable regulations.[1]
In addition to the ongoing dispute with Medi-Share, state attorneys have now indicated that they are looking into similar ministries or businesses that operate within Kentucky, including Ohio-based Christian Healthcare Ministries, which serves approximately 200 Kentucky families.[2]
Footnotes
| |||||
