Orlando Harmon
Christian healthcare sharing ministries (HSMs) are health insurance clubs that market themselves as an alternative to traditional insurance, targeting Christian communities. HSMs require participants to agree to live a Christian lifestyle, and they do not cover certain procedures like contraception, abortion, or pregnancy outside of marriage. While some people have had positive experiences with these ministries, others have called them a scam, alleging deceptive business practices, a lack of regulation, and failure to pay claims. There is an ongoing debate about the legitimacy of these organizations, with some insurance officials taking action against companies that sell health insurance illegally under the guise of faith-based care.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of the program | Health insurance clubs marketed to Christians |
| Legality | Not legally insurance companies, hence not regulated by state insurance agencies |
| Payment | Members pay monthly, but the programs don't guarantee payment for claims |
| Requirements | Members must agree to live a "Christian lifestyle" |
| Coverage | Do not cover contraception, abortion, or pregnancy outside of marriage, pre-existing conditions, and mental health |
| Exclusions | Members of the LGBTQ community are not eligible to join |
| Cost | Cheaper than real insurance |
| Marketing | Marketed to non-religious customers who may not be familiar with the risks |
| Regulation | Not required to provide the same coverage that insurers must provide under Obamacare |
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What You'll Learn
Christian Healthcare Ministries
CHM is not insurance and is not regulated as insurance. It is independently accredited and federally certified. Members must fill out a Checklist of Understanding, acknowledging that CHM cannot guarantee reimbursement and that participation is based on the CHM Guidelines. According to these guidelines, CHM shares medical bills for eligible incidents that are unexpected, medically necessary, and fall within the sharing guidelines, provided they are not related to an ineligible pre-existing condition.
CHM has four different flexible programs, with monthly costs ranging from $98 to $255. However, CHM does not cover contraception, abortion, or pregnancy outside of marriage.
There have been complaints about CHM from members who feel they have been scammed. For example, one member was denied reimbursement for an emergency room visit and surgery following a dental procedure, despite providing medical records showing no connection between the two incidents. Another member was denied coverage for emergency surgery due to an infection that developed after a cracked tooth was pulled, as dental procedures are not considered reimbursable expenses.
Officials in Washington and other states are cracking down on companies that avoid health insurance regulations by posing as faith-based care. Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler ordered Aliera, which operates Trinity Healthshare Inc., to halt operations in Washington, alleging the firm was selling health insurance illegally and engaging in deceptive business practices. Kreidler is also investigating two additional firms over similar concerns.
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God-honouring alternative
While there are Christian insurance programs that have been deemed scams, there are also God-honouring alternatives that are legitimate options for individuals seeking faith-based healthcare solutions. One such alternative is Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), which offers a range of insurance programs to suit different ages and life stages. CHM is a federally certified healthcare cost option that is independently accredited. It provides a trusted way for believers to provide medical care for their families while also extending help to other believers.
CHM's programs offer savings compared to average health insurance, with monthly costs ranging from $98 to $255, depending on the chosen program. There are no application or annual membership fees required. However, it is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any insurance plan to ensure it aligns with your values and meets your specific needs.
Another God-honouring alternative is to surrender your treasures and worries to God. This spiritual approach to insurance is based on the belief that Jesus calls us to depend on Him for our security rather than on earthly possessions or insurance policies. By surrendering our concerns and the things we value to God, we can find peace and reduce our anxiety about potential loss.
This concept, often referred to as "God's Insurance Plan," encourages individuals to trust in God's provision and protection. It involves a spiritual commitment and dedication to glorifying God in all areas of life, including health and possessions. While it may not provide the same tangible benefits as traditional insurance, it offers a different kind of assurance rooted in faith.
In conclusion, while Christian insurance scams exist, legitimate God-honouring alternatives, such as CHM and surrendering to God's plan, provide options for individuals seeking faith-based solutions. These alternatives emphasize stewardship, trust, and community support, offering a different perspective on managing risks and finding peace in surrender.
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HSMs are not insurance companies
Health Sharing Ministries (HSMs) are an alternative to traditional insurance plans, but they are not insurance companies. HSMs are faith-based organisations that provide health coverage for their members, who typically share a common set of religious beliefs. Members make monthly payments into the HSM, which are then used to cover the medical expenses of other members.
HSMs are not subject to the same regulations as insurance companies and are not required to comply with the consumer protections of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). They are exempt from the federal individual mandate under the ACA, and no state currently treats them as insurers. HSMs do not guarantee payment for members' medical claims and are under no legal obligation to do so.
HSMs often require participants to agree to live a "Christian lifestyle", and members of the LGBTQ+ community are not eligible to join. HSMs can also refuse to cover pre-existing conditions and are not required to provide the same coverage as real insurers under Obamacare. HSMs are cheaper than traditional insurance, which makes them attractive to younger, healthier people. This, in turn, weakens the broader insurance market by creating smaller, sicker, and more expensive risk pools.
HSMs closely mimic traditional insurance products in their marketing, structure, and language, which can confuse consumers. They often use provider networks and offer tiers of coverage similar to ACA-compliant products, but their coverage is more limited, and they are not recognised by all healthcare providers. HSMs are not regulated by state insurance agencies, so consumers have no recourse if a dispute arises.
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Christian lifestyle agreement
While there is no standardized definition of a "Christian lifestyle agreement", there are various examples of Christian communities and organizations that have lifestyle agreements or covenants that members are expected to abide by. These agreements typically outline expectations and guiding principles for how individuals should conduct their daily lives in a manner that aligns with Christian values and beliefs.
For instance, the College of Undergraduate Studies at Colorado Christian University requires students to sign a Lifestyle Covenant, which is grounded in Scripture and sets biblical expectations for their behavior. Similarly, Christian Healthcare Ministries, which offer "God-honoring" health insurance alternatives, have been criticized for not covering certain procedures and treatments associated with contraception, abortion, and pregnancy outside of marriage. These ministries often require members to adhere to a ""Christian lifestyle" agreement, which can be used to exclude certain individuals or drop coverage for those who become expensive to insure.
A Christian lifestyle agreement, in essence, reflects the values and principles taught in the Bible and promoted by Christian leaders. It emphasizes the importance of worshipping God, demonstrating love and obedience to Christ, and growing spiritually through personal development and service to others. Christians are encouraged to witness their faith through their words and actions, seeking to glorify God in all aspects of their lives. This includes participating in church attendance, prayer, devotionals, mentorship, and missions work to spread the Gospel and help others in their spiritual journeys.
In addition to these spiritual practices, a Christian lifestyle agreement may also encompass ethical considerations and lifestyle choices. For example, some Christian organizations may promote abstinence before marriage, discourage the use of contraception or abortion, and emphasize the sanctity of life. Christians are often called to live with integrity, honesty, and compassion, treating others with respect and dignity as taught by Jesus Christ. This may also involve volunteering, serving the community, and demonstrating love and care for those in need.
Overall, a Christian lifestyle agreement serves as a framework for individuals to align their lives with Christian teachings and live in a manner that is considered pleasing to God and reflective of Christ's teachings. It guides believers in their daily decisions, interactions, and behaviors, fostering a sense of community and accountability among like-minded Christians.
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HSMs are cheaper than real insurance
Healthcare sharing ministries (HSMs) are cheaper than real insurance because they are not legally insurance companies and are therefore not regulated by state insurance agencies. This means that HSMs are not required to provide the same coverage that real insurers must provide under Obamacare, and they can refuse to cover pre-existing conditions. HSMs frequently require participants to agree to live a "Christian lifestyle", which can be used as an excuse to drop people when they become expensive to cover, such as when an unmarried woman becomes pregnant.
Because HSMs are cheaper, they tend to attract younger and healthier people, which weakens the broader insurance market. Insurance is based on the idea of spreading the risk, not eliminating it. By attracting only young and healthy people, HSMs create a riskier pool of insured people for traditional insurance companies, driving up the cost of insurance for those who need it most.
HSMs are also marketed deceptively, often masquerading as faith-based care while offering none of the protections of traditional insurance. For example, Aliera, which operates Trinity Healthshare Inc., was found to be selling health insurance illegally and engaging in deceptive business practices.
To address these issues, Congressman Jared Huffman introduced a bill that would require more transparency from HSMs during enrollment and provide new data to regulators about enrollment, complaints, payments, and reimbursements. The bill would also ensure that insurance brokers inform customers when they are eligible for better, more comprehensive health coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
Christian insurance programs, also known as healthcare sharing ministries (HSMs), are health insurance clubs that market themselves to Christian communities and audiences. They are built upon faith and community, not profit.
Christian insurance programs are not regulated by state insurance agencies and are therefore not subject to the same regulatory requirements or financial assets as insurance companies. HSMs do not guarantee payment for claims and often do not pay in full. They also do not cover pre-existing conditions and can drop members when they become expensive to cover. For these reasons, some people consider Christian insurance programs to be a scam.
Some examples of Christian insurance programs include Christian Healthcare Ministries, Samaritan, Medi-Share, and Aliera.
Yes, there are other health sharing ministries that are not faith-based. Some examples include OneShare and HSA for America.
