UHSM – CHRISTIAN HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS
Christian Healthcare
Health insurance plans can be expensive and rigid, but Christian healthcare sharing programs can offer a more cost-effective and flexible approach to securing health benefits.
Health insurance plans can be expensive and rigid, but Christian healthcare sharing plans can offer a more cost-effective and flexible approach to securing health benefits.
Everyone needs medical attention from time to time, but these services cost money – a lot of money. Many Americans are unable to afford the sky-high cost of health care services out-of-pocket, and even those who are members of health care insurance policies are increasingly finding the premiums far too much to handle.
That’s one reason why many Americans of faith are turning to Christian healthcare sharing programs as a viable alternative to traditional insurance.
What Are Christian Healthcare Programs?
Christian healthcare programs are typically organizations composed of Christians who share medical costs amongst themselves. The goal of these healthcare sharing ministries is to help those with common beliefs share the cost of healthcare while having access to these funds when the need for medical services arises.
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Why Are People Looking for an Alternative to Traditional Health Insurance?
Christian healthcare programs are typically organizations composed of Christians who share medical costs amongst themselves. The goal of these healthcare sharing ministries is to help those with common beliefs share the cost of healthcare while having access to these funds when the need for medical services arises.
$5,000
An approximate amount that the average household in the US spent per person on healthcare in 2018.
$3,400
An approximate amount that the average American spent for health insurance in 2018, which is twice as much as what they were spending in the mid-1980s. The dollar figure has been adjusted for inflation to ensure accurate comparisons.
18,4%
Increase in healthcare spending per person in the US from 2014 to 2018.
$1,242
Out-of-pocket expenses among individuals who depend on employer-based health insurance benefits.
50%
Approximate amount that healthcare sharing program members can save compared to health insurance plans.
(Source: CNBC)
While there are great savings to be had with Christian healthcare sharing programs, the benefits don’t end there. Members have the freedom to choose the type of medical physicians and specialists they can see and typically are able to access benefits anywhere in the U.S.
Most importantly, members can be a part of something that allows them to help their fellow neighbors and be obedient to the word of the Lord.
“The Lord will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be like a well-watered garden; like an ever-flowing spring.” (Isaiah 58:11)
How Do Christian Healthcare Programs Work?
Members of Christian healthcare programs make monthly contributions, which are then recorded with the ministry and used for member to member sharing. Statements that display how their contributions help share the costs for eligible medical services and procedures of other members will then be provided to members. Through these contributions, members are able to help out their fellow Christians.
When members of the program require health care, they simply present their Christian healthcare program card to participating providers at the time of service and pay the consult or per-visit fee as specified in their particular medical share program.
Members can choose between a variety of different programs that offer flexible options and contribute a monthly amount as set forth by that program. In turn, they can access funds if and when any medical costs are incurred that are classified as an Eligible Medical Need.
Healthcare sharing programs have been around for a while, but they have become increasingly popular since the passing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) a decade ago. Members can save as much as 50 percent on the cost of healthcare by sharing their medical expenses with other Christian members. UHSM has negotiated affordable fees with a massive network of participating healthcare providers to further keep costs down for the total membership.
Christian families can be a part of a healthcare sharing ministry that allows them to help others of the same faith while receiving benefits for eligible medical and pharmacy services for themselves.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Christian Healthcare Program?
UHSM is a selective program, and not everyone will be accepted. Those who wish to become a member must meet certain requirements. To qualify to become a part of a Christian healthcare program, members must:
Be Christians who commit to the program Statement of Beliefs.
Follow Biblical principles in their daily life.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle that is void of dangerous and unhealthy habits.
Have no chronic, pre-existing health conditions.
Understand that they are becoming a part of a community of like-minded people who share a common faith.
Embrace the act of sharing healthcare costs.
Aside from the eligibility requirements, there are certain cohorts or audiences that are well-suited for membership within Christian healthcare programs, including the following:
Those who are looking for a more affordable alternative to traditional health insurance programs
Those who are nearing retirement and are in need of a plan that will fill the gap between their employer’s healthcare coverage and Medicare
Small business owners who need to provide their small staff with health care coverage
Self-employed individuals or freelancers / consultants who do not have access to employer-based health care plans
Those who are unable to qualify for subsidies because they earn more than the federal poverty level
Those who want to help others while helping themselves
Benefits of Christian Healthcare Programs
More and more Americans are turning to Christian healthcare programs as the cost of traditional health insurance rises. Here are some of the benefits that members can enjoy by being a part of a medical sharing program:
Affordable contributions:
Christian healthcare programs are typically much cheaper than traditional health insurance plans. Members can save as much as 50 percent compared to the typical health insurance policy.
Reasonable Per Visit Consult Fees:
Many health share program members see savings up to 50 percent when compared to health insurance.
Customized programs:
Christian healthcare programs provide several different options to accommodate different needs and budgets among members. Some Christian healthcare programs offer comprehensive medical and pharmacy benefits that rival those of traditional Insurance.
Freedom to choose share costs:
Resources in a Christian healthcare program are not pooled in a health insurance pool that is unable to choose members based on lifestyle choices or pre-existing medical conditions. Instead, these programs allow members to have the freedom to select their shared costs with other like-minded members of the same faith.
Freedom to choose medical physicians:
Christian healthcare programs allow members to choose the type of primary care physician or specialist that they want to see.
Chance to help out fellow Christians:
Members of faith-based medical sharing programs can fulfill their Biblical duty of helping their fellow neighbors.
1 million+
Number of physicians, hospitals, and medical specialities within the sharing network in the US.
95%
Share of US medical care providers availiable to Christian healthcare plans.
90%
Share of US pharmacies accepting UHSM healthcare sharing programs.
Christian Healthcare Program Overview
UHSM is proud to offer members various program levels to suit their budget and needs. Following is a brief overview of some of the more popular programs offered by UHSM.
Service | Gold | Vital | Fundamental |
Annual Member Care Share (AMCS) | $5,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
Annual Member Care Share Maximum | $7,500 | $12,500 | $10,000 |
Annual Wellness & Preventive Care | $0 Consult Fee | $0 Consult Fee | $0 Consult Fee 60-day waiting period from effective membership date |
Primary Care Physician Visits | $35 Consult Fee | $20 Consult Fee | Not available |
Specialist Visits | $60 Consult Fee | $40 Consult Fee | Not available |
Telemedicine | $0 Consult Fee | $0 Consult Fee | $0 Consult Fee |
Urgent Care Visits | $60 Fee | $40 Fee | $100 Fee |
Maternity Care - Physician Visits | $60 Consult Fee | $40 Consult Fee | Not available |
Maternity Care - Delivery Services | 100% after AMCS | 100% after AMCS | Not available |
Inpatient Facility Services | 100% after AMCS | 100% after AMCS | 100% after AMCS |
Outpatient Facility Services: Ambulatory Surgery Outpatient Hospital Department: Surgery | 100% after AMCS | 100% after AMCS | 100% after AMCS |
Pharmacy Services | Additional Annual Care Share of $250 | Not available | Not available |
X-Rays, Imagine, Laboratory and Pathology Services | 100% after AMCS | 100% after AMCS | 100% after AMCS |
Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy | 100% after AMCS 10 visit Share Maximum for all therapies combined | 100% after AMCS 10 visit Share Maximum for all therapies combined | 100% after AMCS 10 visit Share Maximum for all therapies combined |
Durable Medical Equipment | 100% after AMCS | 100% after AMCS | Not available |
ER Visits | 100% after AMCS | 100% after AMCS | 100% after AMCS |
Ambulance Services | 100% after ACMS | 100% after ACMS | 100% after ACMS |
Healthcare should be fair and affordable, and UHSM’s Christian Healthcare Sharing Programs offer Christians an alternative to health insurance that is accessible, cost-effective, and designed for people of faith.
Contact us today to find out more about what UHSM can offer!
