HOW CHRISTIAN MEDICAL HEALTH CARE WORKS
Health Share Programs
With healthcare costs continuing to skyrocket and insurance premiums increasing, Americans are seeking a more cost-effective and flexible alternative to healthcare. Health share programs are an increasingly attractive alternative to traditional insurance for many individuals and families.
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What Is Health Sharing?
Health sharing ministries are organizations made up of individuals and families who voluntarily share the cost of each other’s health care. Members of health sharing organizations share common beliefs and agree to help each other by sharing costs associated with eligible medical expenses.
A health share program may be a good fit for your family.
How Does Health Sharing Work?
When members incur expenses for an eligible medical need, they request that the health sharing ministry facilitates cost sharing by the membership. These health sharing organizations coordinate voluntary monthly financial contributions from their members in an effort to support the medical needs of all sharing members. Through this participation, members are helping others who share a common belief system.
When members incur expenses for an eligible medical need, they request that the health sharing ministry facilitates cost sharing by the membership. These health sharing organizations coordinate voluntary monthly financial contributions from their members in an effort to support the medical needs of all sharing members. Through this participation, members are helping others who share a common belief system.
Healthcare share programs have existed along with conventional health insurance plans for years, though they have increased in popularity since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed back in 2010.
Health sharing ministries offer a means for people to get the medical attention they need, while sharing their health care expenses with other households.
Those who wish to be a part of a health sharing organization must meet certain criteria to be eligible for membership. For instance, in faith-based health share programs, members commit to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and understand that they will be a part of a community of like-minded people of faith.
Accepted members will choose a health sharing program and contribute a set monthly amount that is used to help other members who have medical needs. Members are then able to access funds in return if they incur medical costs that fall under the category of Eligible Medical Needs.
Just as people have several options when choosing a traditional health insurance policy, there are several different types and levels of health share programs. Though health share programs are not insurance plans, they do offer a variety of flexible options to meet the needs of members.
What Is Faith-Based Health Sharing?
A Christian health sharing program may be a good choice for people with similar beliefs.
Unlike traditional health insurance, faith-based health sharing is designed to help members share the cost of medical care with others of like faith. Faith-based health share programs offer programs that are exempt from the rules of the ACA. These programs are not insurance policies, but they provide a way for people of faith to share the expense of medical care with others who share their beliefs.
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” (Proverbs 22:9)
Health Sharing vs. Health Insurance
Health care sharing programs are not insurance plans. There are significant differences between the two. Health sharing entities are non-profit, charitable organizations that are designed to help members share medical expenses by utilizing funds contributed by other members.Health care sharing programs are not insurance plans. There are significant differences between the two. Health sharing entities are non-profit, charitable organizations that are designed to help members share medical expenses by utilizing funds contributed by other members.
Many of the differences in health insurance and health share programs involve the members’ rights to choose what type of medical expenses will be eligible for sharing and who will be eligible for membership. Health insurance plans must comply with the Affordable Care Act, which means they must accept people with medical complications. This can increase the total cost of insurance plans and put comprehensive plans out of financial reach for many Americans.
Health share programs, on the other hand, are not bound by ACA requirements and therefore can be more selective in their approval of members, which can ultimately result in cost savings for the entire membership.
Health share programs, on the other hand, are not bound by ACA requirements and therefore can be more selective in their approval of members, which can ultimately result in cost savings for the entire membership.
Here are some of the differences between insurance and faith-based health sharing programs:
Health Insurance | Faith-Based Health Sharing |
Members with pre-existing conditions must be accepted to comply with ACA policies. | Eligibility for membership is dependent only upon the standards outlined by the health sharing ministry. |
Members with all lifestyle choices must be accepted to comply with ACA policies. | Members are expected to share common faith beliefs and adhere to lifestyles that reflect those beliefs. |
Members with all lifestyle choices must be accepted to comply with ACA policies. | No guarantees are made regarding payment of specific medical bills. Eligibility for sharing is based on the benefits and guidelines outlined in the specific sharing ministry and program. |
For-profit | Non-profit |
Claims are processed according to signed contract provisions. | Members make requests by way of established provider billing processes to the sharing program to facilitate and pay the cost of eligible medical expenses. |
Explanation of Benefits (EOB) must be provided when claims are processed. | An Explanation of Share (EOS) is provided when Share Requests are processed. |
Who Uses Health Sharing Programs?
Health care sharing ministries are not necessarily for everyone, but there are specific demographics that are better suited for participating in health share programs. These may include people who meet the following criteria:
Are in good overall health. To keep costs down for the entire membership, most health sharing programs limit eligibility to people without complicated pre-existing medical conditions.
Engage in a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. Being in good health is a prerequisite for joining a health care sharing program, and those who engage in dangerous activities may not be eligible for enrollment.
Are of a particular faith or belief system that is shared among other group members. Christians or those who share the same faith or religion as a particular health care group and want to be a part of something meaningful with other like-minded people may find a health care sharing program ideal. Health sharing programs are ideal for those who share the same faith and want to be a part of something meaningful.
May be looking for a more affordable option than traditional health insurance can provide. Health insurance plans are expensive, so being a part of a health care sharing program may help save up to 50% every month, as compared to traditional health insurance.
Want to help others while helping themselves. The Bible says, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) For those of faith, the idea of helping others can be a strong determinant in choosing a health share program.
Are of pre-retirement age (between 55 and 64 years of age) and transitioning out of full-time work before becoming eligible for Medicare. People who are looking to retire will not be able to take advantage of their employer’s health care benefits, but a health care sharing program may step in to fill the gap between employer coverage and Medicare.
Operate small businesses or non-profit organizations with staff who require health care coverage. Businesses with a small number of employees may require a health care program to offer, and a health sharing program may be an affordable option.
Are citizens that may be self-employed, freelancers, contractors, or running family-owned businesses. Those who are not employees may not have access to employee-backed insurance programs nor be able to afford typical health insurance programs. Health care sharing programs may be a viable alternative.
Earn too much money to be eligible for subsidies with conventional ACA plans. Those who earn well over the federal poverty level (FPL) and don’t qualify for subsidies may find health share programs more affordable.
Families of an individual receiving employer benefits. Many people seek and receive the coverage of an employer health insurance plan. However, many employers do not offset the cost to insure a spouse and/or dependents – making coverage extremely expensive. Health sharing programs are more affordable and provide an ideal solution for the entire family.
Remote workers and people who want complete freedom. Healthcare sharing programs can be used nationwide through many sharing program’s provider networks. Americans can work and use their health care anywhere.
1 million +
Approximate number of Americans in health sharing programs
50% +
Amount members can save in health care sharing programs
18.4%
Increase in health care spending per person from 2014 to 2018
95% +
Share of doctors and hospitals to which health care sharing members have access across the nation
Why Use Health Sharing?
There are several perks & conveniences that come with being a part of a healthcare sharing ministry:
Low monthly costs:
Monthly contributions are voluntary and are based on the specific program.
Much more affordable than traditional health insurance:
Many health share program members save up to 50 percent when compared to health insurance.
Negotiated rates for medical and pharmacy services:
Quality healthcare sharing programs contract with established provider networks and negotiate fair, reasonable, and affordable rates for typical services like a doctor’s office visit or a 30-day supply of generic formulary medication.
Programs tailored to specific needs:
Health sharing programs offer a wide range of programs to accommodate your budget and medical needs. Some offer only medical services, and some are more comprehensive and offer more, such as prescription discounts.
Exclusivity:
Health sharing programs give members the freedom and ability to choose to share costs with other like-minded families.
Freedom to choose:
With health share programs, there are no limits on the type of doctor or specialist that members can see; however, they must be part of the health sharing program’s contracted provider network.
Opportunity to help and support fellow believers:
As a member of a faith-based healthcare sharing program, you can be assured that your monthly contribution will be used in the service of people of faith.
What Kinds of Medical Expenses Will Health Share Programs Share?
UHSM offers a variety of programs to suit the various needs of individuals and families. Here is a quick overview of some of UHSM’s most popular programs.
Service | WeShare | Access |
Annual Member Care Share | $1,000 - $3,000 - $6,000 $9,000 - $12,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 |
Annual Member Care Share Maximum | $2000 - $6000 - $12000 $18000 - $24000 | $10,000 - $20,000 |
Annual Wellness and Preventive Care | $0 Consult Fee | $0 Consult Fee (100% eligible for sharing; AMCS does not apply) Must be done through CVS Minute Clinic. |
Telemedicine | $0 Consult Fee | $20 Consult Fee (Unlimited visits; 100% sharing eligible; AMCS does not apply) Must be done through CVS Minute Clinic. |
Primary Care Physician Office Visit | $25 Consultation Fee Unlimited Visits | $20 Consultation Fee Unlimited Visits Must be done through CVS Minute Clinic. |
Specialist Office Visits | $50 Consultation Fee Unlimited Visits | Not available |
Urgent Care | $25 Consultation Fee | $100 Consultation Fee |
Pregnancy/Maternity Care- Physician Visits | $50 Consultation Fee | Not available |
Pregnancy/Maternity Care-Delivery | $15,000 Maximum for the first 24-months, after AMCS; after 24-months, applied towards AMCS | Not available |
Emergency Room Visits | $500 Consultation Fee | $750 Consultation Fee |
Ambulance Services | ($500 share maximum per ride) | ($500 share maximum per ride) |
Outpatient Facility Service: | 100% after AMCS | 100% after AMCS |
Inpatient Facility Services | 100% after AMCS | 100% after AMCS |
Diagnostic X-Ray, Imaging, Pathology and Laboratory Services | $25 X-Ray In-Network; 100% after AMCS for CT Scans In-Network $10 for Laboratory Services (only applies to Quest Diagnostic and LabCorp) | $25 X-Ray In-Network; 100% after |
Physical, Occupation and Speech Therapy | $75 Consultation Fee | Not Available |
Durable Medical Equipment | ($1,200 share maximum per calendar year) | Not Available |
Pharmacy Services and Benefits | Available for additional Annual Member Care Share of $250 (see specific program brochure for details) | Available for additional Annual Member Care Share of $250 (see specific program brochure for details) |
There are no annual or lifetime maximums on medical services. When healthcare is fair, awesome is easy. Are you ready to exercise your freedom to choose your own healthcare options and access affordable healthcare with a program designed for people of faith? UHSM can help.
Read more about what UHSM offers and contact us today to discuss your unique healthcare needs.
