July 2, 2014 Some of you have inquired about the impact of the decision on the Concordia Health Plan. Today, Ann Stillman, our VP and General Counsel, submitted a blog piece explaining the legal implications of the Hobby Lobby case. I thought you might be interested in this.
July 1, 2014 The United States Supreme Court recently rendered its decision in the landmark Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. and Conestoga Wood Specialties Corporation v. Burwell cases. While the decision has no immediate, direct impact on the Concordia Health Plan – these cases dealt with the right of for-profit, privately held companies to exercise religious freedom under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 – Concordia Plan Services (CPS) supports this Supreme Court decision upholding the right of family business owners to follow their religious convictions as guaranteed in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
CPS will continue to monitor the impact of this decision, as well as other cases still to come before the Court, and work to provide comprehensive, quality health care that meets the needs of our members, while staying compliant with changing health care laws and committed to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) beliefs and theology. The decision rendered by the Court is consistent with the LCMS initiative Free to be Faithful, an education and awareness campaign to support American citizens’ freedom of religion, to maintain the rights afforded in the Constitution for future generations, and to respond to increasing intrusions by government in the realm of the Church. (6/14)
submitted by Keith Duesenberg, Concordia Plan Service
