Medi-Share: A Viable Insurance Alternative?

Medi-Share is a non-profit, faith-based health care sharing ministry that provides an alternative to traditional health insurance. Members voluntarily share each other's medical expenses in accordance with guidelines adopted by the members and administered by the Christian Care Ministry (CCM).

The program is built on the biblical principle of sharing each other's burdens, making it a unique approach to managing health care costs. Members contribute monthly shares, which are then used to pay for eligible medical expenses incurred by other members.

However, there are some limitations to Medi-Share. It does not cover all procedures and wellness activities that regular health insurance covers. It also does not guarantee that all medical expenses will be shared by the community.

Overall, Medi-Share is a good option for people looking for a Christ-centered health care alternative, but it is important to carefully consider the limitations and restrictions before joining.

Medi-Share is a non-profit, faith-based health care sharing ministry

Medi-Share is run by a non-profit Christian organization called Christian Care Ministry, which is dedicated to finding innovative ways for Christians to care for each other's health needs. It is a community of believers who are willing to share in each other's medical expenses, fostering an environment that addresses financial challenges while also strengthening spiritual bonds.

As a non-profit, faith-based organization, Medi-Share promotes certain values and lifestyles. Members are expected to meet the norms of Christian living, including abstaining from sex outside of traditional Christian marriage and avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics for at least 12 months before joining.

Medi-Share offers an affordable and reliable alternative to health insurance. Members contribute monthly shares, which are then used to pay for eligible medical expenses incurred by other members. This is a unique approach to managing healthcare costs, emphasizing community support and shared responsibility.

The Annual Household Portion (AHP) is a key component of the Medi-Share program. The AHP is the annual amount a family must pay towards their medical bills before their costs become eligible for sharing. This is similar to a deductible in an insurance plan, but once the AHP is met, Medi-Share shares all eligible medical bills.

Medi-Share provides access to quality healthcare at an affordable monthly cost. It offers a seamless transition to an affordable membership with nationwide provider flexibility. Members can save up to 50% on monthly healthcare costs and enjoy perks such as 24/7 access to telehealth services, dental, vision, and prescription discounts, and a nationwide provider network.

However, it's important to note that Medi-Share may not be the right fit for everyone. There are certain restrictions, especially regarding pre-existing conditions for new members. Additionally, Medi-Share does not cover all procedures and wellness activities that regular health insurance covers.

Members pay a monthly share, which is used to pay for eligible medical expenses incurred by other members

Medi-Share is a faith-based healthcare sharing ministry that provides an alternative to health insurance. Members pay a monthly share amount, which is used to pay for eligible medical expenses incurred by other members. The monthly share amount is based on factors such as age, marital status, family size, state of residence, and the chosen annual household portion (AHP).

The AHP is similar to a deductible in health insurance plans and represents the amount a member household must pay out-of-pocket before any medical bills are eligible for sharing. Members can choose their AHP, which ranges from $3,000 to $12,000, based on their financial situation and anticipated healthcare needs. Once a household's AHP is met, Medi-Share facilitates the sharing of eligible medical bills from members' sharing accounts.

Medi-Share members present their member ID card when visiting a medical provider. The provider will submit the medical bills to Medi-Share, which negotiates for discounts and determines eligibility for sharing. If the bill is eligible and the AHP has been met, it is approved for sharing. Medi-Share then facilitates direct payments to providers.

Medi-Share also offers additional benefits such as 24/7 access to telehealth services, sharing in telebehavioural health, healthcare bluebook, and member discounts on dental, vision, and prescription services.

Members are encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle and are rewarded with lower monthly share amounts if they meet certain health criteria

As a faith-based healthcare sharing ministry, Medi-Share provides an alternative to health insurance. It strongly emphasizes biblical values and community support. Members are encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle and are rewarded with lower monthly share amounts if they meet certain health criteria.

The Medi-Share health incentive program offers members reduced monthly share amounts if they maintain specific health metrics, such as weight and blood pressure, within recommended ranges. This not only promotes a culture of health and wellness but also provides financial advantages. By keeping their weight and blood pressure under control, members can lower their risk of developing lifestyle-based health conditions.

Medi-Share also encourages members to adopt healthy behaviours and make positive lifestyle changes. For example, members are advised to eat a balanced diet, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Regular exercise is also recommended, as it improves overall health and well-being.

In addition to these general guidelines, Medi-Share offers specific incentives for members to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight, and it is used to assess a person's health risks. By maintaining a healthy BMI, members can not only qualify for reduced monthly share amounts but also lower their risk of obesity-related health issues, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

The program also emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. By encouraging members to manage their blood pressure through lifestyle modifications and, if necessary, medical treatment, Medi-Share helps members improve their overall health while also lowering their healthcare costs.

Overall, Medi-Share's approach to encouraging healthy lifestyles among its members is twofold. First, it offers financial incentives in the form of reduced monthly share amounts for those who meet certain health criteria. Second, it provides educational resources and guidance on healthy behaviours and lifestyle choices. By combining these approaches, Medi-Share empowers members to take control of their health and make positive changes that can lead to long-term benefits.

Medi-Share is not insurance and is not regulated as insurance

Medi-Share is a faith-based healthcare sharing ministry. It is a non-profit organisation that provides an alternative to health insurance. Members voluntarily share each other's medical expenses in accordance with guidelines adopted and administered by Christian Care Ministry (CCM).

While some states expressly exempt from insurance regulation healthcare sharing ministries, Medi-Share does not rely on such exemptions. However, it has elected to publish certain notices. These notices are available to review for the states of Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and all other states.

As Medi-Share is not insurance, there may be little to no legal resources available in the event of coverage issues or termination of the program. It is also not compatible with QSEHRA reimbursement plans.

Members must adhere to a Christian lifestyle and agree to a statement of faith

As a faith-based healthcare sharing ministry, Medi-Share requires its members to adhere to a Christian lifestyle and agree to a statement of faith. This means that members must agree to certain biblical standards and principles in order to be eligible for the program.

The Medi-Share Statement of Faith includes a belief in one God, existing in three Persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. It also includes a belief in the Bible as God's written revelation to mankind and in Jesus Christ as the world's only Saviour and Lord. Members must also agree to live by biblical standards, including no sex outside of traditional Christian marriage, no use of tobacco or illegal drugs, and no abuse of legal drugs. These standards are based on the interpretation of the Bible and are designed to promote a Christian lifestyle.

In addition to the Statement of Faith, Medi-Share members are expected to actively attend and support a fellowship of believers and commit to living a healthy lifestyle. This includes maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure, as the Medi-Share health incentive program offers discounts to members who meet certain health criteria. By encouraging healthy lifestyle choices, Medi-Share aims to reduce the risk of developing lifestyle-based health conditions.

The Christian community served by Medi-Share values the importance of family and wants to ensure that newborns and children receive the best possible care. As such, sharing for routine well-child care is eligible until the child reaches the age of six. This reflects the organization's commitment to supporting families and promoting biblical values.

Overall, the requirement for members to adhere to a Christian lifestyle and agree to a statement of faith is a fundamental aspect of Medi-Share's faith-based approach to healthcare. By agreeing to these principles, members join a community of like-minded individuals who support each other through medical expense sharing.

Frequently asked questions