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Just wondering about monks...

FullCircleFullCircle Explorer
edited August 2012 in General Banter
I was just thinking about monks and healthcare... If they have no money, nothing, what happens if they need a major surgery or even minor healthcare? (I guess I'm thinking as far as the US anyway). Thanks for any info :)

Comments

  • personperson Don't believe everything you think The liminal space Veteran
    I don't have any actual knowledge of the situation but they should be able to qualify for medicaid or being a monk/nun people are often willing to offer some assistance for free.
  • vinlynvinlyn Colorado...for now Veteran
    In Thailand there is at least one (and probably more) monk hospital...in Bangkok. I walked past it several times when out and about. But I do think that healthcare for monks in Thailand is quite poor.
  • VictoriousVictorious Grim Veteran
    edited August 2012
    FullCircle said:

    I was just thinking about monks and healthcare... If they have no money, nothing, what happens if they need a major surgery or even minor healthcare? (I guess I'm thinking as far as the US anyway). Thanks for any info :)

    In sri lanka they get help from laymen most often if they can not pay for treatment on their own.

    But it is pretty much a theoretical problem since the monastaries often do have funds.

    /Victor
  • seeker242seeker242 Zen Florida, USA Veteran
    The monastery or temple they ordained with pays for it generally.
  • BhanteLuckyBhanteLucky Alternative lifestyle person in the South Island of New Zealand New Zealand Veteran
    In the USA, one monastery I am familiar with has full health insurance for its monks, and it's really very expensive for the monastery. (Abhayagiri, in California)
    The health insurance is paid for by their general fund, which is donated happily by laypeople.

    In my country everyone gets free healthcare, monks included, so that's not an issue. Yay for us!

    As for minor health problems, most monasteries I have been to have had a friendly Buddhist doctor who visits regularly and doesn't charge anything, because he likes to make merit by supporting the monks.
  • FullCircleFullCircle Explorer
    Thanks everyone:)!
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