Paul Sanchez
Christian healthcare ministries, also known as health-sharing plans, offer an alternative to traditional health insurance plans. They are faith-based organizations that allow members to share medical expenses. These ministries are not insurance providers and are not subject to insurance regulations. Members contribute to their savings accounts and can request funds to cover medical costs. While these plans are more affordable, they are less comprehensive and may not cover procedures that go against the organization's religious beliefs. Christian healthcare ministries, such as Medi-Share and Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), provide a community-oriented approach to healthcare, allowing members to choose their doctors and share costs with others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Lower than traditional insurance |
| Regulation | Not federally regulated |
| Membership | No membership restrictions based on age, location, or health history |
| Coverage | Less comprehensive than traditional insurance |
| Community | Members help each other through personal notes of encouragement |
| Pros | Affordable, accessible, community-oriented |
| Cons | Not comprehensive, not regulated, not insurance |
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What You'll Learn
Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM)
CHM has four different flexible programs, each designed to cater to different needs and stages of life. The three main participation levels are CHM Gold, CHM Silver, and CHM Bronze. The monthly costs for these programs range from $98 to $255 per unit, with CHM Gold being the most comprehensive and expensive option. The annual Personal Responsibility amount for CHM Gold is $1,250 per unit, with an additional $2,500 Personal Responsibility per pregnancy. CHM Silver and CHM Bronze members receive an additional $100,000 in cost support per illness, per year.
CHM members can pick their own healthcare providers, although CHM encourages choosing doctors who offer self-pay discounts, fair prices, and reliable service. CHM also has a database of providers available through their Member Portal to help members find highly-rated doctors.
CHM emphasizes that members are responsible for handling their own healthcare billing processes. Members must submit itemized bills and complete CHM's sharing form through the Member Portal for reimbursement. CHM has a focus on reimbursement and responsible payment of medical bills, requiring members to pay their providers within 30 days of receiving reimbursement.
CHM is an independently accredited and federally certified healthcare cost option. It is a Better Business Bureau-accredited charity and has satisfied over $12 billion in members' healthcare costs.
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Cost-sharing
Medi-Share, a nonprofit health care sharing ministry of Christian Care Ministry, Inc. ("CCM"), also operates on the principle of cost-sharing. Members of Medi-Share voluntarily share each other's medical expenses according to guidelines they've agreed on. Medi-Share members can save up to 50% on their healthcare costs compared to insurance.
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Health sharing plans
Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), founded in 1981, is one such example. With CHM, members pay a monthly contribution, part of which is set aside to help other members with their medical bills. When a member receives a medical bill, they pay it themselves and then submit it to CHM for reimbursement of the covered portion. CHM shares 100% of eligible medical bills and has satisfied over $12 billion in members' healthcare costs. Members can choose their doctors and are not restricted based on age, location, or health history.
Another popular health sharing plan is Medi-Share, which is a nonprofit health care sharing ministry of Christian Care Ministry, Inc. ("CCM"). Medi-Share members voluntarily share each other's medical expenses according to guidelines adopted by the members and administered by CCM. On average, Medi-Share members save up to 50% on their healthcare costs compared to insurance.
It is important to note that health sharing plans are typically less comprehensive than traditional insurance. They may not cover certain medical procedures that go against their spiritual or religious beliefs. Therefore, these plans may be more suitable for individuals who are relatively healthy and do not require ongoing treatment.
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Medi-Share
However, it is important to note that Medi-Share is not insurance and does not assume any legal obligation to pay members' medical expenses. While members are exempt from the individual mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, they may encounter challenges with medical providers who do not accept Medi-Share as insurance. Some providers may require upfront payment or offer cash discounts, and members are responsible for understanding their chosen plan.
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Pros and cons
Christian health insurance, also known as health care sharing ministries or healthshare plans, is a legal way for like-minded Christians to pool their resources to share the burden of healthcare costs. They are not-for-profit organizations and typically have lower monthly costs for members.
Pros:
- Affordable alternative to traditional health insurance plans: Members of healthcare sharing ministries contribute to their own savings accounts and can request funds to cover medical expenses.
- No membership restrictions: Membership is not restricted by age, geographic location, or health history.
- Members can choose their doctors: Christian health insurance allows members to choose their doctors and share healthcare costs with the entire community.
- No denial or extra charges for pre-existing conditions: Members are not denied or charged more due to their medical conditions or history.
- Covers qualified adoption and funeral expenses: In addition to medical expenses, healthcare sharing ministries can also cover qualified adoption and funeral expenses.
- Sense of community: Members of healthcare sharing ministries can encourage and support each other, fostering a sense of community and family.
Cons:
- Not comprehensive: Christian health insurance is typically less comprehensive than traditional insurance plans, and there is no minimum coverage requirement.
- Limited to procedures that align with Christian beliefs: Christian health insurance typically does not cover procedures that go against Christian beliefs, which may limit the options for members.
- Not federally regulated: Christian health insurance is not subject to federal regulations, which means it may not provide the same level of protection as traditional insurance plans.
- May not be suitable for those with significant medical needs: While Christian health insurance can be a great option for relatively healthy individuals, those with larger medical needs or ongoing treatments may be better off with a more conventional plan.
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Frequently asked questions
Christian health insurance plans, more accurately called "health care sharing plans", are a way for like-minded groups to pool their resources to share the burden of healthcare costs. Most health sharing plans are faith-based and Christian, but some are non-denominational or not religious-based.
Members of Christian health insurance plans contribute to their own savings accounts and can request funds to cover medical expenses. These plans are run by Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCMS) or other private, membership-based sharing organizations.
Christian health insurance plans are a more affordable alternative to traditional health insurance plans. However, they are less comprehensive and do not have the same regulatory requirements or financial assets as insurance companies. If you are relatively healthy and looking to save money, Christian health insurance plans can be a great option.
Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) and Medi-Share are two popular Christian health insurance plans. CHM has four different flexible programs, while Medi-Share has been in operation for over 30 years.
You can join a Christian health insurance plan by completing an application and choosing one of their programs. Your Personal Benefits Manager can help you decide if health sharing is a good option for you and your family and can help you set up your health sharing plan.
