When a Muslim woman from northern California had to take a leave of absence from work due to severe complications associated with her lupus condition, her employer cancelled her insurance. Lupus is a chronic, debilitating disease often causing fatigue and pain. Distressed by her situation and concerned that her “pre-existing condition” would disqualify her from obtaining much needed insurance, she did not know where to turn. Luckily, Minha Husaini, a community liaison working for the “Connecting Americans to Coverage” program with American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP), was there to guide her. “I was so lost and terrified. Minha helped me with the process of enrolling in an affordable health plan.”
At AMHP, ensuring that American Muslims are aware of and connected to health insurance coverage has been a top priority for the past three ACA enrollment cycles. During this fourth enrollment period, AMHP expanded its efforts by targeting all Americans, regardless of religious affiliation. AMHP is launching a national initiative to gather religious leaders and faith communities towards the common goal of “Connecting Americans to Coverage.” To achieve this, AMHP is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to coordinate the "National Interfaith Enrollment Campaign" over Martin Luther King (MLK) weekend (January 13th-16th), a weekend dedicated to community activism and service.
The Campaign’s objective is to foster collaboration between various faith-based and community organizations, and encourage them to coordinate enrollment events during MLK weekend. “Just as the faith leaders of the Old Testament promoted the concept of shalom – harmony of mind, body, and spirit – faith leaders should continue that tradition,” remarked Reverend Michael Minor, a nationally known champion of faith-based health and wellness mobilization. “The ACA is a vital part of keeping shalom in our congregations and the communities we serve.”
The intersection between faith and health-related practices has been explored at top schools of medicine and public health. Two studies in the Journal of General Internal Medicine suggest that “faith communities and programs within faith communities can influence health care practices and health care planning, especially in high-risk populations.” This can be traced back to faith leaders or spiritual traditions that encourage members to engage in healthy lifestyle practices. In Islam, many personal health practices – from ritual ablution to oral hygiene – can be traced back to theological teachings. For the Baptist community, faith and health also go hand-in-hand. “We promote Trinity Wellness – mind, body, and spirit. Unless a person is healthy in all three areas, that person is not Trinity Well. Healthcare is essential, especially preventive services,” said Reverend Minor.
Faith communities can make significant contributions to the health of their members by offering tailored resources and services that incorporate spiritual teachings. Zaki Barzinji, the Associate Director of Public Engagement and White House liaison to American Muslims, has seen many faith leaders “reach out to communities and provide educational resources, answer questions, encourage enrollment and explain the importance of healthcare.” Imams, rabbis, priests, pastors and other faith leaders are often seen as primary caregivers within their congregations; they can use their influence to positively impact health-related practices. In fact, many individuals with terminal conditions often invoke religious leaders and their congregations to pray for their healing. Religious institutions are important platforms to ensure individuals enroll in affordable and quality health coverage. According to Reverend Minor, “Houses of worship are still central to the fabric of our communities. We do more than just worship; we fellowship and tend to the total person. In that respect, sharing information about the ACA and helping parishioners or community members enroll is a natural fit.”
Ensuring every American is adequately covered requires faith leaders to incorporate healthcare into their theological teachings. By developing religiously-tailored materials for outreach and education, AMHP utilized the power of faith to encourage community members to enroll in healthcare coverage. Guides are available on AMHP’s website to assist imams and chaplains in addressing this topic in their sermons.
According to Acacia Bamberg Salatti, Director of the HHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships,
“For many communities, serving our neighbors and helping those who are less fortunate is our critical mission. The dignity of the individual calls us all to affirm a vision of society where people have the most accessible opportunity for health and wholeness.”
As a public policy professional who has served in state and federal governments, Barzinji has seen the lifesaving difference that healthcare access can make for individuals and families. And as a proud American Muslim, he sees it as a cornerstone of his faith to protect and expand that access. “My faith teaches me that service to others, and particularly those most in need, is one of the most beautiful forms of worship, and just as important as any rote ritual.”
In light of the political landscape and uncertain future of healthcare, faith communities need to unite and work together to connect people to affordable and quality coverage. In the words of Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
If your organization would like to participate and co-sponsor the National Interfaith Enrollment Campaign, please fill out this form. You could hold an enrollment event over MLK weekend and/or help publicize the importance of getting access to health coverage among your members. To view a listing of partner organizations, enroll in an affordable healthcare plan, coordinate an enrollment event, or access resources (enrollment guide, sign-in sheet, sermon guide, flyer templates), email AMHP ACA Program Coordinator, Iman Jandali, at ijandali@amhp.us or visit http://amhp.us/getcovered.
This article is authored by Iman Jandali, ACA Program Coordinator at American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP).