It is the time of the year again; the health care premiums for next year are made known. They only know one direction and that is up!
The people living in Basel-Stadt will only see an increase of 1,5% of their Krankenkasseprämien. Perhaps the only time that Basel-Stadters come away cheap! People living in Baselland have to live with 5,3% increase and if you’re living in Solothurn, you’ll have to reckon with 5,8% more.
The news is full of interviews, opinions and explanations why the premiums are going up: we’re getting older on average, new treatments, new medicines, life expectancy goes up but with increased medical care needs. In the next months, the health insurance company carrousel is going to turn its annual cycle. Is it cheaper with another company? Is the grass greener on the other side of the fence? The telemarketers are lining up to shower you with their unwanted and unsolicited phone calls!
A portion of the increased premiums can be ‘blamed’ on people in our church community! New, expensive medicines, new medical treatments… sounds like the results of some of your jobs! I have watched first-hand with my own parents in their last days, how some of the medical treatments are not wanted by the patients, but almost forced on them by medical professionals. As things become medically possible, it sometimes seems like it is anathema to not accept the treatments. To force it unto people that qualify, regardless of their age, health and desires. I know there are lots of discussion and moral questions around treatments, and I don’t want to make light of it.
When we’re talking about health care, costs and treatments, we’re looking at our own finiteness on this side of reality. What can medical treatments do for us and what can they not do? There are other things that confront us with our limited years on earth: drawing up a will, talking about succession, discussing how we want to live after our retirement, how we want to be buried or cremated. Yes, perhaps a bit morbid, but very real.
Listen how the apostle Paul reflects on the end of his life that is coming mighty close to him: For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8)
It helps a whole lot in life if you have an eternal perspective like Paul has. There are more and greater things to come and we live our present lives in that perspective.
Don’t forget that when you’re requesting new offers for another health insurance. Yes, health is very important and good to take very good care of. But your spiritual health and care are equally important. How about finding a better policy for that? Better and fuller coverage. Less deductible. Direct contact with the Provider!