Compare Christian HealthCare: an alternative solution
Christian Healthcare is not insurance, however it serves the same purpose and mostly they offer the same benefits
with much lower out-of-pocket expenses. The monthly premium -which is a lot less- is invested in an not-for-profit organization
instead of a commercial money-making business.
They are exempted from the Obama Care mandate so you don't pay a tax penalty.
Members pay a monthly 'share' (premium). The funds all go into one account and medical bills among the members are shared from this account.
I compared 2 major Christian healthcare organizations below and found -for many reasons- that Christian Healthcare Ministries is the best one out there, which I'll explain below. The ministry is also supported and recommended by Dave Ramsey (the Christian financial guru).
Compare Christian HealthCare
Below is a comparison between two of the largest Christian Healthcare providers. I only compared the best plan with the lowest out-of-pocket expenses / deductible.
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There are many 'sharing' organisations popping up everywhere. Be aware that many of them are not non-profit organisations,
meaning they are a business, they are in it to make money. This is why I compared the two biggest Christian non-profit organisations. Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) and Medi-Share.
Please note that you have to be a Christian and you have to follow Christian guidelines and have a Christian lifestyle to be eligible for any of these organizations.
Monthly cost, per person
Annual cost, per person including setup fees etc.
Covered amount
Out of pocket expenses before your bill is covered
Pre-existing conditions covered?
Includes maternity?
Preferred doctor / facility / hospital Network ?
Wellness / routine visits covered?
Doctors co-pay
ER Co-pay
How to submit your medical bills
Doctors / Medical facility discount
Okay if I have Medicare?
Year created
$150.00 Gold Plan (no matter your age)
with a maximum of $450 if you have 3 persons or more
$1,940.00 (Gold Plan plus Brothers Keeper)
Unlimited coverage with Brothers Keeper program
Maximum $500 per year
Yes, see guidelines
Yes, awesome maternity program!
No, see any doctor/facility you like!
No, you are a self-pay patient
usually deep discounted, see money saving tips on next page
None, you negotiate discount after you say that you are self-pay. Not applied to out of pocket
Maximum $500, you negotiate discount after you say that you are self-pay. If discount is over $500 (which it usually is) CHM will pay your bill in full!
Online system (it's easy)
You negotiate discounts (they have guides. If no discounts offered by the medical facility CHM will help you negotiate). If you get $500 or more discount your 'out of pocket' responsibility will be waived!
Yes, CHM works as a supplemental
1981
$273.00 (premium depends on age)
$3,450.00
1 million dollars
$1,250 per year
Yes, see guidelines
Yes
Yes, restricted by limited network
No, you are a self-pay patient (usually deep discounted)
$35 per visit plus provider fee.
Not applied to out of pocket
$135 plus facility fee of $$$ (?)
Max $1,250 plus ER Co-pay $135.
Medical facility will do it for you as you have to go to an in-network provider
Discount according to in-network provider contract
Yes
1993