Prepare to see more buggies, beards and horse manure in Indiana

[John Ranalletta]

Indiana Amish exempt from new health care law

 

Here

[T.M. Roe]

I dig the hats

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

They're pretty good at being a closed-off community (with the emphasis on community there), but what do they do when costly/advanced treatment is required to save an Amish life? Do they just tell their buddy "we're gonna miss ya," or do they head out to the nearest ER to go begging on the English?

 

Or can they actually pull together $100,000 for, say, a heart transplant?

[Boone60]

When my wife was in the hospital for a couple of months due to cancer, one evening on my way in to visit I walked past two Amish couples with infants on my way to her room. I said "good evening" to them as I walked past, thinking it unusual to see Amish in this hospital. When I stepped into the room there were several nurses in there, and they asked me if I had seen any Amish people on my way in. When I told her where I had seen them one left to go find them.

 

What was going on I asked, then told that my wife was sleeping and woke to find that the Amish were praying over her while laying their hands on her. When she asked why they were there, one of the women told her that God had sent them to her. I asked the floor nurses if this was common, and they told me that they hadn't seen this before. It was different, especially because we don't know any Amish people, but we were gladly accepting any prayers given.

[yabadabapal]

That's a great story Boone.. I've always like the Amish people. Many years ago some amish people saved my life. Thats all Im going to say about it.

[John Ranalletta]

Mitch, while I don't have the answer to your $100k question, my experience with the Amish in NE IN tells me cash is king. They do not eschew modern medicine.

 

You'll find this paradoxical. We had a diabetes specialty store in the mid 90's and we had a dozen or so Amish customers. My wife was asked to do a home visit to train an older Amish man how to use a Glucoscan BGM. Now picture this: She enters a very nice, but very simple home that has no external power (gas/elect); so, by lantern, next to a window, she trained the man how to use a battery-powered example of then, very modern technology.

 

The rumors held that the Amish community did not lack for cash; and when an Amish farm came onto the market, it was always speculated that one could probably find money buried on the property.

 

Amish crews built two of our houses in Ft. Wayne and my experiences with the Amish showed them to be humble, pleasant and hard working.

 

Unfortunately, there exists some residual bias against them. A few years ago, an Amish baby was killed by a brick thrown from a passing car into a buggy. I'm not sure what prompts that outside of ignorance and retardation.

[motoguy128]

If it's a sizeable community that only needs emergency care, it would probably be cheapest to be self insured anyway. If they could build-up something like a 3-5MM fund, the interest alone could cover more expenses annually.

 

I could see them also carrying an Aflac policy rather than insurance.

 

Consider that a communty of 100 families might have to pay over 1MM annually for traditinal health insurance... and a large portion goes towards administration. You actual healthcare expenses are probably only going to run about $200k or so if you only need primary care (have your own midwives and care providers for most health issues). When an Amish person gets a cold, they can diagnose and treat it themselves. It's only ore serious injury or disease that would require a Dr. visit.

 

Also keep in mind that late in life, I suspect most elders would live at God's mecy rather than take heart meds, hip replacement, arthritis meds and so on. You won't see a amish person on life support after a stroke or other expensive extreme measures.

 

What I'm getting at, is that given their lifestyle, they healthcare costs are probably 1/10th of the average american population.. even despite being engaged in primarily agriculture and construction, which have a very high injury rate.

 

I've always found the Amish ot be very friendly, but I find their lifestyle a bit of a hypocriscy at times. .. and my wifeand a colleague at work have had some negative experiences with them in terms of hwo they do business.

[notacop]

I've only seen the Amish on my one visit to Ohio for the MOA Nat's in Lima. Struck me as being a backward, communal, hippie bunch. Saw a lady and couple kids going to a rural market in a horse cart. Just looked dirty and unkempt to me.

One of the folks I talked to at the rally noted they were mass moving to Indiana because of the land values being cheap. Sell the Ohio place at a profit and buy more in Indiana. That person also expressed the opinion that the Amish don't contribute much to the welfare and benefit of the state due to their beliefs and self sufficient ways.

In the movies they seemded so much more wholesome.

What a revolting developement.

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

I've only seen the Amish on my one visit to Ohio for the MOA Nat's in Lima. Struck me as being a backward, communal, hippie bunch.

 

The "hippie" description implies a first-generation effort that hasn't had to (or been able to) work through any long-term problems; the Amish have been living their way for centuries and multiple generations.

 

That person also expressed the opinion that the Amish don't contribute much to the welfare and benefit of the state due to their beliefs and self sufficient ways.

In the movies they seemded so much more wholesome.

What a revolting developement.

 

If they pay some taxes to help keep up the public services they use (e.g. roads, firefighters, police), then that's enough. FWIW they do provide goods and services to us English (Amish furniture has quite a reputation). They may not mingle with us English socially, but they contribute.

[John Ranalletta]

Let's see...

 

They keep to themselves. Don't borrow money from commercial banks. Are "green" farmers, using only real horsepower. The educate their own. The pay cash for their purchases. When they work in the community, they tend to be highly regarded for their craftsmanship and reasonable prices.

 

Are all of them perfect? Unlike the rest of us contributors, probably not.

 

The church/state separatists hate the fact they're exempted from OSHA and state regulations; and, now, the health care plan.

 

I guess they could be making iPads in China. Now, that's a real contribution.

[Mike]

A number of Amish have moved to SW Wisconsin, the area where my wife grew up. Some people harbor some animosity toward them, but they live simple lives without imposing on others. In my admittedly limited experience, they are soft-spoken, courteous, and always willing to help others.

 

Their darned buggies are, however, a hazard!

 

 

[pbharvey]

I like Amish pies.

 

 

 

(I like Amish people too)

[Matts_12GS]

Let's see...

 

They keep to themselves. Don't borrow money from commercial banks. Are "green" farmers, using only real horsepower. The educate their own. The pay cash for their purchases. When they work in the community, they tend to be highly regarded for their craftsmanship and reasonable prices.

 

Are all of them perfect? Unlike the rest of us contributors, probably not.

 

The church/state separatists hate the fact they're exempted from OSHA and state regulations; and, now, the health care plan.

 

I guess they could be making iPads in China. Now, that's a real contribution.

 

Well said John.

 

 

[John Ranalletta]

...and, they're much more likely to escape an economic Armageddon, if one should occur. Perhaps, I should befriend a Amish.

[Boone60]

My experience is completey opposite of the negative impression mentioned, as for several decades I've see Amish folks at local farm auctions (especially if horse equipment is in the sale), and have never once seen one that would be anywhere near close to being like a dirty hippie. They are always clean, wearing clean clothes that is in very good condition and a fresh hat. I've always been treated very politely by them, and wouldn't mind if I lived next door to an Amish family.

[yabadabapal]

My experience is completey opposite of the negative impression mentioned, as for several decades I've see Amish folks at local farm auctions (especially if horse equipment is in the sale), and have never once seen one that would be anywhere near close to being like a dirty hippie. They are always clean, wearing clean clothes that is in very good condition and a fresh hat. I've always been treated very politely by them, and wouldn't mind if I lived next door to an Amish family.

 

+1

[Rinkydink]

Let's see...

 

They keep to themselves. Don't borrow money from commercial banks. Are "green" farmers, using only real horsepower. The educate their own. The pay cash for their purchases. When they work in the community, they tend to be highly regarded for their craftsmanship and reasonable prices.

 

Are all of them perfect? Unlike the rest of us contributors, probably not.

 

The church/state separatists hate the fact they're exempted from OSHA and state regulations; and, now, the health care plan.

 

I guess they could be making iPads in China. Now, that's a real contribution.

 

 

 

Well said John.

 

 

+1 John...speaks volumes to me.

[FrankT]

Their darned buggies are, however, a hazard!

 

It's a matter of perspective. They may consider our cages and bikes a hazard to them.

[Kathy R]

I admire them and the value they place on family and community. I've lived next door to Amish in PA and have known Amish and Mennonites here in NY. There is a very large community in my area of upstate NY. Their properties, stores, goods and products are first rate.

Recently, a driver, speeding over a hill top, hit and killed a horse and sent the parents and children flying from the buggy. Most of the outcry here was against the driver for exceeding the speed limit. While there was some grumbling about buggies the general consensus is they make our community a better place.

My experience is that they enhance my life by reminding me of simple things and how to breath deeply. And if you need anything and I do mean ANYTHING they are there to lend a hand. Their generosity is legendary.

By the way, there are many levels or sects of both Amish and Mennonite. Often Amish are thought to be the more strict, but there are some Mennonite groups that are even more strict in shunning technology and consumables. It's pretty hard to even keep track of all the levels.

They hold auctions here nearly every week in the Summer. It's fascinating to watch the children being responsible for their younger siblings, always keeping their voices low and respecting all elders. In general they are a very quiet people and when they buy a farm it shines.

Here is one of my favorite buggies. Obviously the treasure of a young man. Note the metal flake vinyl covered seats, cooler and the metal used to make the buggy...

 

 

 

 

[yabadabapal]

nice pic. I remember years ago I spent some time in Lancaster PA.

Absolutely beautiful. Just a few years ago I remembered reading a national geographic article about an Amish farmers barn that had burned down. Hundred of his amish neighbors came by and in just a matter of days rebuilt the entire thing. Here is a pic and some info about the barn raising.

 

http://www.welcome-to-lancaster-county.com/amish-barn.html

[Kathy R]

I love these stories.

 

Here is a resent one from this area. A local non member business suffered a fire. The local Mennonite community, the business's customers and competitors, stepped in and put the guy back in business.

 

Penn Yan community lends a hand, and a hammer, to neighbors in need

 

Back to the OP, I can understand some folks not welcoming a change to their community, but I find this change to be for the better. They will give you all the manure you need for your garden, just for the asking. Their food is wholesome, but made for someone who works hard and needs calories to burn. They can make just about any tool from scratch. If you need help, they will be at your side.

 

I gave an Amish neighbor my back 1 acre for his farming use. Every week, sometimes every day, there was a wicker basket on my porch containing fresh produce from his own garden. You should have seen the pumpkins at Halloween!

[flat_twin]

I live very close to Mid Ohio race track. I thought the "hippie" comment was interesting considering the SoCal life experience of the poster. An hour east of me, Holmes county has one of the larger Amish populations in Ohio. The Amish in that area are much more commercial and less strict. It's become a bit of a tourist area and I avoid it on the weekends because of the traffic. Thru the week it's an excellent ride. The roads and scenery there are among the best in Ohio. Last week I went by three Amish schools. All three happened to be at recess and playing baseball. Picture little boys in blue and black, girls in long blue dresses with baseball gloves.

The Amish in my area (Morrow, Knox, Richland counties) are mainly farmers and builders. They're allowed use of battery powered lights on their buggies and have made good use of LED's and reflective tape. Even so, we've seen our share of buggy vs car accidents along SR314. If you've been to Mid Ohio you know the roller coaster style hills I'm referring to. Locals know to be cautious on those roads. On race weekends it's rather scary.

I don't have a problem with the Amish being excluded from national health care. I do wonder about other "religious" groups trying to get the same exclusion.

[Harry_Wilshusen]

nice pic. I remember years ago I spent some time in Lancaster PA.

Absolutely beautiful. Just a few years ago I remembered reading a national geographic article about an Amish farmers barn that had burned down. Hundred of his amish neighbors came by and in just a matter of days rebuilt the entire thing. Here is a pic and some info about the barn raising.

 

http://www.welcome-to-lancaster-county.com/amish-barn.html

 

What I want to know is how they got the plan review and permits in just a couple days?

 

Harry

[John Ranalletta]

I do wonder about other "religious" groups trying to get the same exclusion.

The waits over...groups including Scientologists, Seventh Day Adventists and Muslims can opt out.

[John Ranalletta]

While not knowing what's typical, in some areas, they just ignore the requirement and building code officials don't get exercised over it because w/o electrical and plumbing systems, most health/safety issues are moot. Not many of their buildings fall over.

 

That's not making a case for them. There are lots of codes that make sense like standardized 6' 8" door/overhead clearances which exist to provide in/egress for a firefighter with Scott air pack.

 

Mitch Daniels, IN governor, tells a story about a FEMA official inspecting the damage on an Amish farm, 3 days after a vicious tornado. He looked at the devastation and noticed the house standing amid wreckage all about and said, "It's amazing how a tornado can leave one building standing while destroying everything around it." The response from a local was, "That house wasn't standing there two days ago!"

[Whip]

In Mrs Whip's home town of Palm PA the Amish are frequently asked to build garages or add-ons to existing homes. They built a garage at Mrs Whip's mothers house. It was a positive selling point when we sold the house. They do great work and are very easy to work with. Several families show up when it's time to start working. The women have their jobs, the young ones know what is expected of them, and the teenagers don't stop for anything. Quite a sight. You can't help but admire them. The funniest part is the agreement includes supplying them with all materials and food during the construction process. Guess which part cost the most??