Has anyone heard of, tried, or currently use Medi-Share? 
While it essentially serves the same purpose as health insurance, they are very clear that it is NOT insurance. They call it, “Christian Healthcare Sharing.” I have spent some time digging into it and it looks very intriguing – it seems to offer most of the benefits of health insurance, but with lower premiums. They say that most families will save 30-50% in premiums each year.
A little about Medi-Share
Medi-Share was founded on the Biblical principle of God’s word found in Ephesians 4:28 which tells us to share with those in need.
“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” Ephesians 4:28
While their website answered a lot of my questions, I still called to get a more thorough understanding of how the program works…
Each month all the members pay their “share” (a fixed amount depending on the plan you select) into an account with their name on it to Christian Credit Union. The funds in all of those accounts are what pay the member’s medical bills each month. “Each plan essentially tallies medical claims each month, then divides by the number of members, officials say. After subtracting for overhead and administrative expenses, the rest goes to pay claims.”
The Medi-Share program is flexible with multiple choices of program levels, benefits, and of course out-of-pocket expense. You are given the option of choosing your own doctors and hospital, but there are discounts available for using networked professionals.
What I like about it
- With typical insurance, you pay a monthly premium, but have no idea where the money is going. With Medi-Share you are informed of who you are sharing with each month – you can then pray and send letters of support for those members.
- For most members there is a substantial cost savings over health insurance. Most families save $2000 a year on premiums.
- They have been operating for 16 years.
- The members vote and make the rules. So each year the members vote on what will and won’t be covered.
- Each member is covered up to $1 million per year or $5 million total.
Things to be aware of…
- You have to be accepted into the program. Not everyone is accepted.
- You must adhere to living a strict Biblical lifestyle in order to maintain your membership. Not doing so can get you expelled from the program and will likely nullify any claims you may have as well.
- “Medi-Share doesn’t share in all costs. All members vote on a yearly basis what costs to share. Routine physicals and health maintenance costs are currently not eligible for sharing.”
- Prior health conditions are not covered. If you sign up and have been taking medication for high blood pressure, it will not be covered. Only medical conditions that begin after joining are eligible.
Final thoughts
One of my biggest concerns was that I would be facing a huge medical bill and that the members would just decide not to “share” with me to cover it. After talking to the Medi-Share representative, it sounds like that isn’t much of a concern if you follow the rules. She explained that in the last 16 years every eligible need has been covered. But “eligible” is the key word here.
For example, she told me a story of a member who was in a bad car accident requiring lots of medical work, but since the person was intoxicated when they got into the accident, the expense was not covered by Medi-Share. On one hand I think you should give the guy a break, but at the same time it is the strict rules and policies that make the program work. The whole point is that by living a Biblical lifestyle you will be healthier, therefore have fewer medical expenses.
It seems like the program is perfect for healthy Christians who are committed to the Biblical lifestyle. If you already have many health conditions or are prone to lapses into substance abuse, it probably wouldn’t be worth it.
I would love to hear from some members – so if you have had experience with Medi-Share, please share about it in the comments…
Update 07-01-10: After writing this review, I have since joined Medi-Share and have been with them for 3 months now. They have been very good to deal with, but I have not had to file a claim yet, so I will add to the review after I file my first claim with them.
Free $25 gift card if you sign up!
Now that I am a member I get a discount for referring new customers, so if you decide to sign up, shoot me an email (titled “Medi-Share”) with your first and last name and I will refer you and then send you a $25 gift card as a thank you.
{ 120 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds just like Samaritan Ministries, of which my cousin is a long time member and avid proponent.
We have looked at this company a couple of times. We just never got a complete peace wtih going with them. Not really sure why. We totally agree with the mission statement and feel it is a body of people that would be great to partner with.
Thanks for the article.
Thanks for writing this review. I’ve seen some advertisements for them and was curious about it. You’ve given me enough information to get an understanding of what they are about.
Thanks for writing this review. I’ve seen some advertisements for them and was curious about it. You’ve given me enough information to get an understanding of what they are about.
P.S. – Sorry, forgot to tell you great post!
I am a independent consultant that is shopping for a insurance provider. Can you recommend some others?
Thank you,
Edgar
I have been a member of medi-share since Janurary. Thankfully I’ve never had to use the sharing for my own medical expenses; however, every month I get a statement that tells me who my money went to last month. It tells me what was wrong with them and even gives me contact information so that I can send along my prayers and well-wishes. With an insurance company the money you send along every month goes to line the pockets of executives. At least I know that my money is helping fellow believers.
They were very professional during the enrollment process. They even have a chaplin on staff. He called me just to pray with me.
For $98/mo I have to pay the first $1000 if something happens, but they will cover me up to $1,000,000. In the 15+ years they’ve been operating they’ve never had a need they couldn’t meet.
I totally trust them and would recommend them. I don’t work for them. I’m just a satisfied member.
Ryan,
thanks for sharing – it is good to get some insight from someone who has used them…
The article, “Medi-Share: A Christian Health Insurance Alternative?” provides interesting and useful information. It certainly is worth more research. Thank you for sharing it.
I’ve been a member for over a year now and in that time have had an ulcer and a baby…I absolutely have faith in this company, its members and their goals to meet needs of other Christians. Every claim I’ve had has been paid and I love that I know where my premiums are going – also I feel that they are working with us to keep us healthy, not fighting us to try and avoid paying for our healthcare. They pray with us when we call in for asisstance and have always been wonderful. NOTE: For the past 20 years (my adult life) I’ve had typical Blue Cross, Aetna, Humana insurance – my last experience with one of them was terrible. We were paying almost $15,000 a year for insurance, still stuck with 20% of the bills, in addition to paying huge deductibles.
Medi-Share is indeed a leap of faith, as they are NOT insurance…I’ve had a great experience and given what is going on with our country right now wish Americans would continue to support each other MORE through the church and rely LESS on big government.
Thanks for the article, good assessment.
We are a family about to be a family on the road. We are selling everything and getting a 5th wheel & truck as soon as next week. One of our concerns was insurance, as we have a 2 year old boy and 1 year old girl. Thank you for this review. I am interested in hearing more from people who have used this or still use this. It seems like something we could get involved in. I also agree 100% with gmachayes — I think people should turn to the chuch instead of the government for help. The government just seems to carry those on welfare/medicaid/foodstamps/etc. and do not do an assessment of the family receiving the ‘free’ money or how they spend what they get. This “insurance” seems to be very good for a travelling family across America. Thanks again
Our family is a member of Medi-Share…Actually when we called medishare to tell them we were having another baby, they sent us to the government and told us to get medicaid.
Joining Medicaid when a Member is having another baby is not required. It is completely optional. However, Medi-Share does offer incentives to qualified Members who use such programs as Medicaid.
Incentives? That sounds highly unethical. Why are they cost shifting when they say they have a pregnancy benefit? That is stealing! A healthy pregnancy is not a sickness so why would they ask there members to do this? Shady and unscrupulous behavior is a warning to all to STAY AWAY!
I don’t believe the intent of that option is cost shifting, though I can understand your initial reaction. Medi-Share is used by both people with insurance and those without. Those who are un-insured sometimes are already on Medicaid, so I believe it truly is coming from the place of just wanting to help families in any way possible, even if it means finding more aid for them from other sources. While I’m not an expert on this particular program of Medi-Share, if you call one of our representatives, I’m sure they’d be happy to answer any questions. 800.772.5623.
Hello, we are in the same boat as alot of others right now…self employed, paying our own insurance whith outrageous deductibles, and everything out of pocket…I am very interested in this Biblical plan of Christians helping Christians, but I do have a question that one of the ladies at my church brought up….are there tax implications when you do receive aid from the group? Do you pay tax on regular insurance proceedes? Do you pay tax on these “gifts”? How does this work? I need some direction on this…Thanks for any in put.
I am pretty ignorant of this type of plan. My wife and I are believers in Christ and have been looking at your plan.
I am looking at Medishare also and have the same questions as the person inquiring about whether payments to us are taxible? Are premium payments deductible on itemized deductions as they are with medical insurance? Thank you.
Do you have any type of coverage for people over 65? Medicare will pay some, but how about a supplement or some type. I am in good health and usually go one time a year for my annual physical. Thanks for any info you could give me.
does Medi-Share, etc., qualify under federal guidelines as an HSA-qualified “policy”?
I posted a comment awhile ago and would encourage anyone with questions to call Christian Care Medi-share directly or go to their website. No, you do not pay any additional taxes – it works like a coop and I’m not an accountant, but don’t think it’s considered aid or a gift. Sorry I can’t be of more help, also re. HSA qualified policy again – not sure. I do know that they clearly state that they are NOT insurance, so I doubt it. We have saved a TON of money and again, they are wonderful.
We have used Medishare in the past and were very happy with it. We are very healthy but self-employed and buying insurance on our own in the state of NY is soooo pricey. We recently tried a limited health insurance. They pay for office visits and preventive health care but my worry is that with a large claim we would go over the limit easily. We are going to go back to Medishare. We end up paying for our own preventive care and check-ups but I feel more comfortable knowing a large expense would be covered.
What about the current discussions in Washington? It seems that if (when) this passes, anyone without government approved insurance will pay a substantial penalty.
They state on their website that those who use Medishare are exempt from the government requirement. And I don’t think the requirement will be “government approved” insurance. You will just have to have it.
My brother-in-law and sister-in-law were covered by the Samaritan counterpart and said that it was as hard as working with any other insurance company. When she fell on some ice and broke her nose, it did not live up to their expectations. It’s a pity because it sounds like a good idea and less expensive. Of course it does work out for some and I think it worked out for them after a few headaches.
As for the guy in the car accident, I agree that he broke the terms. However the company also took a very Pauline approach, vs. a Christ-like one, and that saddens me.
I would like to comment on the poor gentleman in the car accident while intoxicated. As it may seem like a Pauline approach, your own auto insurance company won’t cover a claim if you are intoxicated. It is an exclusion on most auto policies. I used to be a claims examiner for AAA and it was always a sad day when we refused a claim because they were intoxicated. In addition to that, all the medical vehicles and emergency vehicles aren’t covered either. There are heavy consequenes for driving under the influence and I appreciate and agree with everyone of them.
With no consequences, there is no change. Even Christ gave consequences for our actions.
Forgot to add on the last comment that the Samaritan Ministries program wasn’t their choice but my BIL’s employer (a Christian highschool) did not carry a regular insurance program and would only give its employees membership in Samaritan Ministries. After several disappointments, my BIL talked the school into giving him the monthly sum they were putting towards Samaritan Ministries so that he could use it to put toward regular health insurance they decided to purchase privately.
i too would like to know if ineed to get medicare or if i pay the premium for this if it would cover. have no health problems. how do i get an answer.
There are definitely some opposing views on the subject. I have more research to do before I can make a good decision for my family.
I do appreciate everyone that has direct experience sharing that experience.
We have Medi-Share, and have had it for about 6 years. I have delivered two children with them and had a two week hospital stay with a blood illness. In the past I have been happy with them though dealing with a “share” has been difficult and much like dealing with any health insurance company. I have to call in with many of the shares and get more information. The two week hospital stay was near $70,000 and took almost two years for Medi-Share to pay. In this time we got several collection notices from the hospitals and ambulance company. Now I am expecting again and Medi-Share wants me to apply for Medicaid. We have an issue with applying for government assistance. We are now looking into other health “insurance” options.
I find it very interesting that the basis for this health plan is in regards to helping those in need, Ephesians 4:28. This concept of community is also found in the book of Acts and the first Christian church, where no one in “the church”, i.e. followers in Christ had no any lack because those with surplus shared. So why are pre-existing conditions criteria for rejection. No sane person asks to be afflicted with a physical condition, and people with pre-existing conditions certainly have need, but they also have things they can share. If you’re going to be bibilically based then help those in need, The only exclusions I see in scripture is when someone is living a sinful life. I feel this is hypocritical, because the real deciding factor, as with everything in western christianity seems to be just like the secular world, what’s the bottom line i.e. how does it affect our pocket books. I’m sorry to say this but this is really only partially biblically based. It’s so easy to justify and reason things out when it come to money.Other than this I think the idea is a place to start. Maybe it’s why the comment above where the author did not feel a peace about signing up. (some call that discernment)
The way I understand it while Medi-share may not cover a pre-exisiting condition, if you have a medical need that is not coverd and need help, they will make it known to the Medi-share members and they can donate money to help you. They facilitate a way for you to be helped. They have to have some rules about acceptance, or the premiums could not be so low. If you need help, they will try to find other members who are willing to give. I have already gotten names in the mail for maternity overages and non-covered services for people who need extra help. This is a great thing. It helps God’s people and does not line the pockets of big insurance. It just has strict rules, as does following Christ.
Regardless of the rationale of the program, paying for healthcare and medical costs is a numbers game; a mathematical equation.
There are basic rules in math like: 1 + 1 = 2. I am not being facetious. I am just saying that making an exception to this rule results in a different set of circumstances.
The point is, pre-existing conditons and the intoxicated driver story are completely rational in my opinion. As someone noted earlier, they do publish your need to the entire membership so there is still a chance you can get help.
my husband and I have been on this program since 2004, and we have been happy with them for the most part, other than that the premiums keep going up (now we pay $500/mo for both of us), and the claim process is really no easier than most insurance companies
Here’s a question: if you have insurance, the insurance company negotiates much cheaper rates from doctors and hospitals; if you do NOT have insurance, you will pay very high “retail” rates that no insurer pays (in some cases insurers’ rates are 10% of the retail ones). So, what price do these medi-share plans pay? Is everyone paying the retail rate, or are they negotiating cheaper prices from the providers? And doesn’t that leave the consumer paying much higher rates on the things that aren’t covered (such as the regular checkups, or anything for a pre-existing condition)?
Are you kidding??? Never known a healthcare provider who didn’t give some kind of a ‘discount’ to anyone paying cash!
Medi-Share members recieve discounts by using our Preferred Provider Organization. At times, members recieve discounts for unshareable services too because of the PPO. If you have anymore questions, feel free to call one of our representatives at (800)772-5623.
Hello, you wrote:
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Medi-Share was founded on the Biblical principle of God’s word found in Ephesians 4:28 which tells us to share with those in need.
“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” Ephesians 4:28
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This is only partially true. I spoke with a representative just the other day. Basically, this plan ONLY works if you already have the money to put into it. In other words, you can already afford some kind of insurance. If you are truly needy, as in our situation with my husband bouncing between unemployment and contracts, it does not help. We cannot afford the monthly share. So we are just stuck. So, no…the idea of it taking care of the needy is only partially true.
Also, one thing to find out before you join is what do they do if you lose your job and suddenly can no longer make the payments? Do they drop you?
What about this verse:
Act 2:45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
What about those needy?
One of the commenters above wrote that they were told to sign up for Medicaid. Having had to go the “government” route in the past, I have to say that this is appalling to me. Most people who recommend that route do NOT understand what they are really saying. Medicaid has very stringent rules about who qualifies. You are not allowed to better yourself.
I know of situations where people had to lie to keep their coverage. Recommending someone go on Medicaid instead of the body of Yeshua helping them is, in my estimation, akin to telling them to chuck their integrity.
You also wrote:
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For most members there is a substantial cost savings over health insurance. Most families save $2000 a year on premiums.
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Premiums are NOT the only cost involved. What about the fact that there are much higher deductibles than most insurance plans? Also, what about the fact that there are a lot of things that a regular insurance will cover that Medi-Share does not…things that have to come out of pocket. When you talk about savings you have to make sure you are comparing apples to apples and consider ALL the differences…including things you now have to pay for that you did not previously.
You also mention the voting process regarding what is covered. On the one hand, you do have a say as a member. On the other hand, all the other members could override you. Every year your coverage could change. One thing I do not know is this…what if you are currently being treated for something that is covered and ongoing and they decide to stop covering it. Do your treatments stop being paid? This is something you need to make sure you find out!
I realize that each of us have varying economical resources. However, the bottom line is this….
Pay for the little things (physicals, sore throat, etc) out of your own pocket and pay premiums on a high deductible policy to cover the catastrophic things. Same holds true with this.
If you do not have money for either, there are several resources available (medicaid, get rid of cable tv and iphones and put that money towards health care, friends, family, local church you actually belong too).
Our experience with Medi-share (members for over 2 years) is basically the same as Marisa’s above. They have paid my bills, and that is the positive part. The negative is as follows–We did business with Medi-share (and it is business), and we got to know several of our friendly neighborhood collection agencies. We have been sent to 4 different collection agencies in the past 12 months. In every case, the situation was resolved before it negatively affected my credit.
I was told several times that the reason a bill had not been paid was due to the fact that they were not writing checks for invoices that recent (over 8 months old)! I think people should know this before they sign up, and I have told Medi-share this on several occasions.
I will say, though, that as I was willing to fight and make sure that the bill got paid, Medi-share came through every time. Just be prepared to be on the phone A LOT.
Medi-share has been anything but on time when it came to their paying our health providers, most notably with large amounts. It seems they fare better with smaller amounts and more routine visits.
I have also found that health providers become frustrated with this service, as they fail to understand why it seems so difficult to get their money from this organization. As a Christian concerned about testimony, this has been bothersome to me.
thank you this info has helped me i have a friend who has no insurance but is in need of two different surgeries to repair damage from work i have coverage but dont always do as i am told because there are sometimes remedies less costly traditional medicine has faults too
What bothers me most about this – and you have to understand, I am currently in the military, and have been a military praise and worship leader for a LONG time – is the fact that this company touts themselves as helping the needy and sharing medical costs the way God intended it.
But, getting out of the military after being covered with Tricare for twelve years – wife has had a tumor removed – son has vision problems – daughter has asthma, Medishare won’t cover anything associated with that.
WHAT?!? So, not only does the secular world not want to cover my family’s pre-existing conditions… which is a NEED… AND we can afford the best plan Medishare’s got… but this “christian” company won’t either.
Doesn’t seem like it’s really sharing in medical costs “the way God intended.”
Now, the people sure are friendly, but coming from serving the nation so this company COULD continue to operate (I dare it to try operating in Iran), not even I could be covered with this christian organization.
What happened to Yeshua’s way? Meeting the needy?
Seems like it’s false advertising to me.
And false advertising is not godly.
If it’s not godly, then there’s only one other alternative.
I can pretend to be a christian all day long, but if the inside of my house isn’t clean, it’s only a facade.
Someone’s making some good money off of this and it infuriates me. People and Organizations claiming to be christian yet are not help to deteriorate the world’s ability to come to the Father.
So, in my humble opinion, and I AM a christian, this organization at its roots really isn’t that good of a thing. At least, it’s no better than it’s worldly sisters. Which means it’s not truly a “christian” organization.
But, that’s just my frustration coming out. If I’m wrong, say I’m wrong.
I just hate it when people use God’s name to make themselves a fortune.
And if I’m wrong, I’ll gladly repent.
Otherwise, please, someone, HELP ME FIND INSURANCE FOR MY FAMILY! We’re exhausted and it seems there is no help here on this earth.
Jay,
Your help comes from the Lord Himself. He doesn’t need insurance to provide for our medical costs. Trust in Him.
Father, I ask that you would provide abundantly for the needs of Jay and His family. You said that you hear the cry of the needy. I know that you hear his cry and the cry of many others who are in need. Come to their aid. Lord do not let them be put to shame. The bear your name. Do not let the world say, “Where is their God?” Father, pour out your mercy on them. Heal bodies that need healing. Heal hearts. Heal minds. Give them strength and grace to patiently wait on your provision. We put our hope in you. Amen.
Hi Guys, Thank you Bob for your great article, I am very excited to see members refer others and have great faith in this program. I am a representative at Medi-share, also I am a Medi-share member have been for about 10 months. I am very confident there is nothing better out there. I Invite you to call me to learn about it I will answer any questions you have, and explain the program. 1-800-772-5623 x2206
P.S. Please let me know Bob sent you thank you.
My husband and I are currently researching different insurance companies. It was through a friend of the family that we learned about Medi-Share. Considering we were already researching insurance, we had a lot of questions that our new friend Alan was happy to answer for us. We figured we would share our questions and the answers we got with all of you.
-Does this program cover prescriptions and medicines?
A: No. Unfortunately they don’t. However they do encourage a supplemental insurance plan that covers what they don’t, and with the cheapness of Medi-share, you can usually afford the supplemental insurance too.
-What qualifies as an “office visit”?
A: An office visit is anytime you go see your doctor or a specialist.
-Is this a non-denominational organization?
A: Yes.
-What is the Manna Christian Disability Sharing thing?
A: It is a similar organization that assists Disabled people.
-Are there fees for signing up?
A: Yes. There is a one time, non-refundable $50 fee for processing your application. There is also a one time $125 membership fee paid on the first month. And then there is a final fee of $25 for the processing of the Health Incentive application.
-Are things like glasses and dental work covered?
A: No. Optical and Dental are not included. However, Medi-Share will cover these things if they have something to do with a bigger illness or incident, like if you get in a car accident and need dental surgery. See answer 1.
-How do taxes work with this program?
A: All payments are considered gifts, and you don’t have to pay taxes on them. The money doesn’t ever touch your hands so it’s never yours to be taxed.
-Are y’all HSA qualified?
A: No because they aren’t an insurance company.
-Why are you exempt from the Health Care Bill, and can you guarantee that you won’t be exempt later?
A: They can’t guarantee that they won’t be exempt later; however, in the bill itself that President Obama passed, it states that they exempt people participating in Health Care Sharing Ministries. Go to this link –> http://mychristiancare.org/exemption.aspx <– to read about it.
-If you lose your job and can't pay your monthly portion, are you dropped?
A: Not necessarily. Simply call and talk to someone about rearranging your payment plans. They only do a 5% late fee and are very willing to work with you.
-We heard that sometimes it takes a long time for the payments to make it to the hospitals, etc., and we heard that some people even had to deal with collection agencies. Why is this?
A: Especially for larger bills, they go through everything with a fine tooth comb. They try to work out discounts and everything before they pay. Sometimes this takes time. However, they try very hard to get everything done as soon as possible.
-Do you cover pre-existing illnesses like cancer? Why or Why not?
A: It depends. There are many different kinds of cancers, and they have to know what kind of cancer you have to know how much your treatments will be. Usually there is just a longer waiting period for things like this, but just because you have cancer or some other pre-existing illness does not mean you are automatically not qualified.
Every other question we had before these were answered by the little package they sent us. Also our Medi-Share representative, Alan, has been more than helpful and is always eager to answer every question we have. You can reach Alan at 1 (800) 772-5623 ext. 2298. He's absolutely amazing.
Medishare seems like a good Godly organization, and in fact it may be… However, I know of a minister who tried to get on it and was denied, for a preexisting disorder, diabetes, which they don’t cover anyways… A MINISTER… Also, I know of a 21 year old college student who is active in his campus Christian organizations whom was denied because he has an electrical disorder in his heart, not terminal, doctor said will not limit his life in any way, shape, or form… Except in the way of getting health insurance from a Christian organization… True Christians would never turn their back on a young man in need.
I applied a few days ago. I had planned on reading up on the company before I applied, but it just slipped my mind. I don’t like the slow pay stories here from other members. Even if they did come through. We worked hard to get out of debt which we now are. My business is doing great, and I really don’t want to have any collection calls. That part of our lives is over. BCBS is $90 more per month, but we will get the tax breaks of the HSA which will negate that extra premium. Preventative is also covered. I’ll probably be canceling my application.
Thanks for all of your feedback.
I just wanted to address one issue raised on this site. Medishare is not a ministry of a Church. It is a business that is inspired by and seeks to implement Christian principles. Medishare should not cover emergency needs that it cannot afford or force giving to meet any and all “christians” who want to join with “any” and “all” preexisting concerns. Such folks do need help. That is where the Church should step in. Medishare is not a Church. Moreover, Medishare is not hurting these people whom they reject. Such people would be no better off if Medishare didn’t exist?! I’m sure Medishare’s workers would love to cover everyone and everything, but they can’t. Bankruptcy and the abandonment of their members is not a better testimony. So, those of you who are not allowed in because of bad situations, that is a tragedy. I’m so sorry that you face that. But, please don’t demand that everyone else pay for it or hide behind Jesus’ words to suggest that members should be forced to pay for your needs. Again, charity is the work of the Church, Medishare is not the Church or a Church. They don’t preach, offer sacraments or do church discipline. They are a business that tries to be Christian in the way they conduct themselves.
Very well stated Matthew! Although I wouldn’t join Medishare for the higher risk it presents, you are so right in keeping us all in check. Being a Christian, principally-based company does not require that they become responsible for all of us like the Body of Christ should. If the Body of Christ actually did what it was intended to do, we wouldn’t need Medishare to begin with. 90% of the money needed to help those in the Body of Christ is actually available. the problem is it stays in the pockets of the congregation as the plate passes by. We live in a fallen world folks, and Medishare is at least doing something. Don’t hold Medishare responsible for your life’s woes. The comments concerning how unChristian it is for Medishare not to cover everything is unwarranted. All business’, Christian or otherwise have the right to determine what services they can or can not cover/perform. Would you rather they go completly bankrupt and not be able help anyone? I appauled their desire to help, and I hope they are an honest organization. You may not agree with what they cover or don’t cover because it doesn’t help you, but isn’t that almost like wanting another welfare system which we already see doesn’t work, has cost this country billions of dollars, which could have been used for better purposes and people take advantage of.
Just some thoughts.
My wife and I have been members of Medi-Share for about 15 years and are in our early 60s. Medi-Share has always been professional and lived up to their rules. We have had one major operation, shoulder injuries, etc. They have paid these, and we are very satisfied and believe in the program.
On a claim, you cover the deductible of your claim each year, then cost sharing covers up to a certain level (which covers Medi-Share’s deductible on a major health insurance policy they hold), then costs above that are covered by the major insurance policy. The things that Medi-Share will cover matches the things that the major health insurance policy covers. Medi-Share is not sitting around thinking, “Shall we cover this or not?” You can be assured, just like with an insurance health policy, that what is written in the terms will be covered.
Medi-Share is now trying to encourage older subscribers to give up their agreement with them, and this includes somewhat higher rates. Medi-Share seems quite confident that older folks will be happy to drop this monthly expense and rely on Medicare and Medicade, and any bridging policy they may purchase. This has shown that, like an insurance company (which they are not), they do not value the length of time a person has been in the program; and that their decisions about age are more monetarily made than first meets the eye. They began as a group of ministers, and I suspect that the thought at the time may have been to help them all the way through life, but Medi-Share has unfortunately lost that vision.
My wife and I paid under $300 about four years ago. Now we are paying about $500 a month. I believe this reflects what is happening in the three major mutual help groups as they are affected by the economy. Medi-Share is also attempting to open the door a little and be less exclusive on membership it receives. This inevitably increases participant’s costs.
If I understand your comments correctly, Medi Share has an insurance policy that backs it up. This is an “aha” moment for me. We are applying with a high deductible and are only concerned with major medical but was wondering how they could manage with really expensive treatments. And it’s helpful to understand that like insurance, it has to deal with the fact that the older we get, the more medical attention we are likely to need. It also seems likely that most of the applicants will be older like ourselves. jpl
Hi Jon,
I work for Medi-Share so I thought I could clear some of this up. We do not have an insurance policy that we use. We used to, which is why long-time member John mentioned it. However we are now completely member-to-member sharing and have shared over $550 million over 18 years.
As for dealing with older members who need more medical attention, as you brought up, we now have a program we launched this year called Senior Assist for people 65+.
There’s more info on this on our website (http://mychristiancare.org/guidelines.aspx) but I encourage you to speak with someone on the phone if you have any more questions. 1-800-772-5623
My wife (59) desires to enroll, but I see many Con’s. Her current policy pays 100% after the deductible – no pre-existing clause at all. She had minor colon surgery almost 4 years ago and just had a clean bill of health on a check-up colonoscopy. She has maintenace dosages of Boniva for prevention of bone loss and just had a density test. No problem. However, will these constitute treatments, thus starting a new 3 year period on each ????? What about other medications given as preventative treatments. Personally I don’t trust this program, and would be indebted to any readers who would enlighten me as to the negatives. E-mail me at breadmnjag@aol.com please.
Seems like it would be difficult for them to determine if you are living a “Biblical Lifestyle”
With that said it seems like a lot of people who are directly involved with Medi-Share like it. This is the first I have heard of it.
Matthew, I appreciate your comment, however, I believe you’re misguided. Medi-Share IS claiming to be a CHRISTIAN business with CHRISTIAN members and leaders. Yes, it IS the church’s responsibility to be charitable. The “church” is not a building, it’s the body of Christ, which are fellow Christians. Therefore, Medi-Share IS part of the church.
I also didn’t feel as if the previous comments “blamed” Medi-Share for any of their problems. Only that the company itself is not living up to the main verse they say they hold so dear. It’s not fair to say that the previous comments feel Medi-Share is to blame.
If the program has worked for you, and others, AWESOME and PRAISE GOD! And if anyone has not been able to be accepted, or has reservations, I pray your individual situation can be resolved. Shalom,
AJ
My husband informed me last month that Medishare is approved/acceptable as qualifying as insurance under Obama’s healthcare plan. We currently are not insured, but I know a few families in our church who have used them for years and are very happy with them. We hope to join them soon.
Pat
Hello, have you joined medi-share? Are you pleased?
Thanks for your time!
My family (wife + 3 children) for 2 years. I have the $1,000 minimum
“per incident” and it’s auto-deducted from my credit card each month.
I retired in 2001 and after COBRA ran out 18 months later I was with
Assurant health (via State Farm).
I started with Premiums at around 800 a month and
over the next years they increased to almost 1,400 a month in spite of
my raising my limits (deductibles) to the highest limits.
We served with a ministry in S. Korea in 2007. The wife of another
U.S. couple serving there was diagnosed with breast cancer. After
much research, they had the surgery, chemo, and reconstruction
all in S. Korea (a major city 1 hr. south of Seoul). This family
had Medi-Share and the expense was enormous as you can imagine.
Medi-Share paid all eligible expenses and to my knowledge (we know
the family very well) nothing was denied. All receipts had
to be maintained of course and I believe it took so time to get
fully reimbursed (since Medi-Share had no service provider in S. Korea,
the family self funded the surgery, etc.. and then applied for reimbursement).
So with that reference, we went with Medi-Share. When we joined
I was overweight and they put me on a special program for exercise and
weight reduction with weekly calls with a health coach. This was an
addl. $75 per month. This coach provided encouragement, weekly
education about various health topics, accountability,
and monitored my progress. I believe the real incentive was that
at some point I could lose eligibility if I didn’t show progress.
It took me over 1 year but I met their
requirements (I was 40lbs over) and “graduated” from the program.
Many families in our community (San Antonio) use Samaritans. I spoke with
many of these families. It is similar and less expensive. But it doesn’t have
all the coverages and it’s limits are more restrictive. But again, I recall it
was much less (maybe by 1/2 ?) of Medi-Share. Also, you had to do all
your own paperwork. Everything was self-pay and reimbursements came
directly from other members – which required more record keeping and
follow up that I desired. Since I cut my Assurant Health premiums by
2/3′s I was really happy to not have the paperwork hassles and chose
medi-share.
I have not had any claims over my “per incident” (not cumulative annual,
but “per incident (injury/illness – make sure you understand this)). But
per the above comments, they are very professional and their customer
support has been excellent. You get assigned an “advocate” to that
you go to for everything (you need to pre-qualify all / any major
planned surgeries).
Also – most physician take their “insurance” so their is no payment at time of visit. They have a large provider network and every existing Dr. I use was covered (and the Drs. for my wife and children).
All in all, I am very pleased so far with Medi-Share and highly recommend this health care sharing organization.
Alan
p.s. to the above comment that they didn’t “trust” this organization. Their
wife had insurance with no-prexisting, etc.. Then why switch? Many
company plans FORCE the insurance company to waive pre-existing but
most self-insurance plans do have pre-existing clauses.
And I agree frankly with the fact that the claimant who was drunk didn’t
get reimbursed. Like getting drunk and jumping off a roof into a
swimming pool – breaking your neck – then suing the pool company, home owner, etc.. AND WINNING!! With standard insurance that comes right back to policy holders!!
And to the comment about “how do they know?”. They don’t. God
does, and if you lie to them it will catch up with you when you
file your claim and get denied!
Alan and everyone else,
“I have not had any claims over my “per incident”
I enjoyed Medi-share as well until I went over the “per incident” amount. Like I said, they came through, but after months of non-payment to providers, I would receive notices from collection agencies (4 times for separate providers). For full disclosure, I have been off of Medi-share for almost a year. But when I was with them, their payments were delayed several months from the date of treatment. I would ask them about this specifically before you sign up. Ask them how long payment to providers will take from the time of treatment. Trust me, your providers will care, and it’s your head on the chopping block, not Medi-share’s.
If I were with Medi-share again, I would be more proactive connecting the provider with Medi-share in the immediate months after treatment, to keep the the bills out of collections. Notifying Medi-share and even immediately sending them copies of the bills didn’t help.
I would like to know how to get & fill out an application.
I have looked into both companies and, honestly, I can’t justify using them. I understand that they wish for their share holders to live a Christian life but to deny someone coverage when they had a moment of weakness IMHO is not christ-like at all. We are to forgive all wrongdoing of our fellow man and to stiff someone on a bill is not forgiveness. Jesus did not say to love each other, only if they do what you tell them to, or to give your brother your 2nd shirt only if he agrees with you.
Good luck on your search.
Bob, thank you for posting this it was very helpful. It has convinced me that Medi-share is not for me as I am in an HSA and do not want to give that up. Many of you seem to take issue with pre-existing and the conditional coverage. I would just like to point out that God’s love, mercy and forgiveness are conditional. The Bible does NOT teach un-conditional love, only man does that. The word “if” is a condition and “sin” is a pre-existing condition. Medi-share is well within the Biblical principle.
I just heard about this plan online today. I looked at their site. I think this type of sharing system sounds great. The only time I have ever had health insurance that cost less than theirs with no deductible and good coverage was under a ‘group plan’ offered by my former employer. COBRA costs are outrageous and buying individual health insurance is not going to work since the premiums, deductibles, co-pay, etc. are way beyond what this Medishare offers. The plus of this plan seems to be the lifestyle exclusions where a person living a pagan life will not receive the benefits of the others labors (i.e. their premium monies) unlike general health insurance. Also, the government cannot mandate coverage for lifestyle choices like abortion, sexual activity, sexual orientation, etc. since it is not insurance but a cost sharing plan based on democratic voting by existing members. I also like its non-profit status. The typical executives at health insurance companies make millions while people die for no reason. That system is satanic. This system of medishare for Christians is not satanic, but seems rather inline with the teachings of Christ through Himself and His apostles. I will look into this system one day.
I don’t know anything about this program other than what I read here. I hope this business is more legit than not. But please, lets not forget the external realities that are outside of this program’s control. These are just a few:
-Physical world with limited resources.
-Monetary system that creates even more scarcity through price inflation and debt.
-Prices for Medical treatment is extremely overinflated thanks to the existence of insurance companies.
In other words, from an unconditional Christian love point of view, this business was a failure before it even started because it exists in a limited physical world and monetary world.
When we think Christian, we think unconditional love, therefore unconditional help and so forth. But again, we live in a physical world and if you expect this from any organization including your favorite church, you will be disappointed.
Please put emotion aside, and think rational, I know it is hard to do when ill or having a loved one who is ill. It is easy to fault others for their lack of help when you are desperate with an illness. However, lets not forget this program is not God, and cannot fix all as we expect God to do.
Having worked in the medical field for many years I would suggest that you keep in mind the fact that much (I would suggest most) of the controlling environment in medicine is atheistic/agnostic and openly sarcastic of Christianity. It is very big business and money absolutely rules. Use it prayerfully and only if you have no other hope. The vast majority of health problems are due to deep-seated guilt problems working their way to the surface. A Christian is one with absolutely no guilt, and thus, far less likely to be plagued with sickness. I am not saying no sicknesses. But the medical community has to deal with all people. The overwhelming costs and problems facing us are a symptom of the spiritual condition of our land.
Simply put… get the mission of the company. Its mainly for xtians to live a healthy life. I don’t want to put my money there and they r using it to treat preexistin conditions for others and when its my turn they r out of money. Its business people. Am sorry bad things happen but that’s just ow business works. They calculated their risk n tot dat for us to keep d busines on, we need not to cover preexisitin sickness. U n I know its not fair. U r only complainin cuz u want others to pay for ur sickness. (Forgive my tone). No matter ow much bil gate has n no matter ow much he gives to charity. He cannot give but less than ten percent cuz that way he can keep microsoft alive. Its plain common sense.
My husband and I used medishare for many years, over 10, I think. When he “aged out” and went on Medicare, my rates went thru the roof. They consider me a “single woman” and I pay more than what married couples pay for coverage. To cover two adults for less than what I pay just for myself infuriates me and I have a hard time believing that there is statistical data to back up their position. I have asked often for actuarial information to support their position and have never been able to get an answer. It makes me very uncomfortable with them. By the way, I have been blessed with excellent health and have cost them very little. I do not recommend them to my friends or fellow church members.
Did you hear about their Senior Assist program? Just started this month: http://mychristiancare.org/Medi-Share/Public_Content/Senior_Assist.aspx
This sounds interesting. Too bad in found out after open enrollment. For those of you upset about your high premiums…try family of four…$475 per month…$3000 deductible. IT COULD BE WORSE!!!
That’s still less than we pay. $900/mo to cover me and 2 kids – husband is covered by company. We have a deductible after $500 covered expenses. – so $11,000/year.
I didn’t read everyone’s posts to find out if this is already discussed. We had an HSA, but the costs even for that went through the ROOF! So, we switched to Medi-share. When I called the HSA to see what we need to do with the money in that account, she seemed to think that it could be used with any High Deductible Health Plan. My question is…is a sharing program like Medi-Share considered, by the governing rules of the HSA, to be a HDHP?
To answer your question Sarah, you can use the money in your HSA to pay any of your eligible health expenses regardless of your current insurance plan. The IRS publishes a list of qualified health expenses (just do a search).
You cannot contribute to your plan now since you don’t have a HDHP. Medi-share plans do not qualify. For more info, Google “HSA road rules 2011″.
Hi there
) I saw this and wanted to write a quick review. We have been with Medi-share for a couple years now and I love the whole concept, and most importantly that it is based on biblical principles and really wish I could give a good review and am sad that I cannot.
The original article/review on Medi-share is pretty accurate. We are that healthy Christian family who live according to biblical principles, as noted in the article. In fact, we have 3 children, we don’t ever have to go to the doctor except for something serious and for routine physicals (which are not covered). Other than that, we strive to be healthy and are on no pharmaceuticals of any kinds and haven’t needed to go to the doctor in years apart for stitches for a toddler (well before we were with Medi-share.) We have paid of monthly sharing faithfully on time for years, and never had an issue worthy of going to a doctor. We invest a lot into natural health and it has blessed us as we are really healthy.
Not to boast (all glory to God
) – but just to give some background to confirm that we are committed to godly lifestyle … we love the Lord with all hearts mind soul strength and lead a bible study and are planting a church, so we are very committed to truth in all regards.
When we joined with medi-share, it was in April a couple years ago. We were previously with a different secular insurance company and we wanted to go with a Christ-Centered one. We wanted to be wise and wait until well after my son was born to make sure there were no medical needs/issues as a result of the birth (in January of that year) and so we waited until we were positive everyone was completely healthy and then switched in April (many months following the birth).
In June, I started to mysteriosly and very suddenly have excruciating tailbone pain and went to the doctor. After many doctors, tests, x-rays and so on, they discovered a severe tailbone dislocation and fracturing that was not fixable. I saw the best of the best to try to have it relocated and fixed, numerous times by many top docs over the past 1 1/2 years. Medi-share covered all visits which was great.
The problem came when I was referred onto a Neuro-Surgeon for surgery. I literally have to get my tailbone removed (ughh) and this is a pretty big deal and can only be done by a neuro-surgeon. The biggest mystery is how this all happened. I have told the truth to every doctor and specialist, that I don’t recall ever falling or any accident to cause this injury. It was sudden and mysterious. I would tell each doctor, the only thing I have done is sledding all winter with my kids (with no falls or pain) and a while back I gave birth (with no complications or pain or injury.). So while most docs noted unknown cause, some must have noted, possibly due to sledding cause unknown, and some must have noted, possibly due to birth, cause unknown.
Well, Medi-share put my surgery into a “pre-eligibility review”. It was a lot of work on my end as I had to contact each doctor (there were many) and have them send all their records to medi-share, and then I had to confirm that medishare recieved them. The review took 8 weeks (on top of the year I have already lived with an injury of this magnitude which is excruciating). We were SHOCKED when they came back and declined. Their decline was based on a couple words in docs notes saying possibly from birth.
We were so sad because we purposely wanted to be so careful this would not happen and that is why we waited until April to switch (son born in Jan) to make sure completely healthy and symptom free for many months. Then on top of that my first complaint of pain and first appointment was not until well into June. 3 months after joining and 6 months post-birth. One of my docs, the one who had to refer me onto the neurosurgeon, is a top Ortho Trauma specialist who takes care of the Olympic US Ski Team. He was furious and wrote a letter to Medi-share with clear medical records and notes that there was no causal relationship between the birth and this injury. In fact, by the time I made my way up to that specialist, it was over a year after the birth of my son.
I have pleaded with Medi-share, written letters, prayed with them on the phone, and my docs have written letters. I appealed their review and that whole process was another 8 weeks of painful waiting, and they declined, based again on a couple notation words, ignoring the appointment dates, the letters, and I have spent so much time in tears on the phone explaining everything from beginning to end.
The sad thing is that they come in the name of Christ and Christian principles and morals. But they have sadly not walked the walk as they talk the talk. We have faithfully paid 530 per month for years and never used a penny of it up until this unexpected injury. With the previous company, had I never switched companies, this would have been covered no problem. In fact, we paid $800/mth with our previous company and for years never entered a doctors office except for stitches once and for routine physicals that came back healthy. Otherwise, not ever costing them a dime.
The same is the case with Medi-share. It feels like being robbed. Imagine paying all that money each month and striving to live a life of truth and of health, just to have it result in this. What’s worse, is now if we were to switch to another place such as Samaratin Ministries or another Insurance Company again … my tailbone would never be covered as it would be pre-existing condition. So I feel so robbed and helpless and so ANGRY that they use the name of Christ and then do such things so people will look at that and think “Christians are no different – they robbed me – Why would I ever consider Jesus when this is what it’s all about!” That infuriates me as it defaces the name of Christ our Lord and Savior who is the most faithful trustworthy of all!
I sadly cannot recommend Medi-share as our experience has been worse that any secular company we have used for our lifetimes. They have not shown any Christ-Centered actions – regardless of what is boasted with words. It’s a great concept, yet sad that it is not lived up to.
Hope that helps.
God Bless.
I was so close to sending in my application to MediShare this week, but decided I needed to do more research and prayer to have peace about this big decision. Well, I’m so glad I came across this article and these reviews, particularly those of MediShare members. Thank you all for sharing your experiences. This has truly helped me in deciding what is best for my family.
To Mommyof3PreciousOnes: My heart goes out to you. Sorry to hear of the negative experiences and all the stress accompanying it. Please know that your review was extremely helpful in guiding my decision.
My family and I sound like the ideal household to participate: very healthy, hardly ever need medical attention, committed to healthy, pure, organic lifestyle, dedicated Christians, we play by the rules,financially responsible…but it’s my concern about major medical incidences (like your story) and issues with future EOI(evidence of insurability/ proof of good health) that prevents me from leaving our current “safety net” of the traditional health insurance plan. Although we have no chronic health problems, accidents and the unforeseen happen.
It’s too bad because I was really enthusiastic about the whole concept.
Did you bring it to the Seven Participant Appeal Panel?
Mommyof3preciousones – so sorry about your story.
What a cautionary tale.
I believe this happens because this whole thing is based on a cockeyed idea of what being Christians together is.
We should certainly care for one anotheran and it -may- be that we as a group are healthier, but maybe not – I’ve seen the number of donuts people can eat at coffee hour!
Instead, the basis ought to be on being the kingdom of God together – and that would mean blessing our neighbors as well. From that perspective, perhaps the Christlike perspective is to be part of a ‘secular’ plan and contribute not only toward our own health care, but if we’re really so healthy, toward our neighbors’ care as well. That good Samaritan comes to mind.
The notion that Christians ought to pull out and only insure one another because we’re so ‘healthy’ is bankrupt – as you have seen, the world, creation and nature are all fallen, and we get it in our own flesh as well as anyone.
There are many misunderstandings and inaccuracies on this website and in this thread. The Medi-Share member-voted Guidelines are clear that pre-existing and congenital conditions aren’t eligible for sharing. People need to read the guidelines before they apply. There is an appeal process if something is ruled ineligible for sharing and in a rare gray area. As a part of the appeal process a 10 member peer panel makes the final ruling before going to arbitration. The panel members are ordinary members of Medi-Share and not on the payroll of Medi-Share. If they rule that the medical records show the condition is pre-existing or congenital then the member-voted guidelines are applied and the condition isn’t shared. There is no profit motive for Medi-Share to deny anyone’s medical claims. In the situation of a condition that isn’t eligible for sharing, the members have created a benevolent program called Extra Blessings. A family from my church got over $10,000 of help through the Extra Blessings program 6 years ago. All of the sharing ministries (there are three but Medi-Share provides the most help financially and administratively) exclude pre-existing conditions. One sharing ministry (not Medi-Share) several years ago tried to accept pre-existing conditions and they went bankrupt. To accept pre-existing conditions is essentially to become a charitable organization–not Medi-Share’s mission. Medi-Share is primarily a stewardship program, not a charity. Several people in this thread are wanting to hold Medi-Share to a higher standard than their local church. Your local church also has limits on their benevolent programs and the charity that they can provide. In 17 years of ministry, Medi-Share has paid out over $530 million in medical bills and the program has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau: http://www.bbb.org/central-florida/business-reviews/medical-service-organizations/christian-care-ministry-in-melbourne-fl-12000835
Thanks, McFall, for your very good overview dated today, January 13th (you can see my comments August 23, made, unintentionally, on my Bday!).
A point I may not have made clearly enough: as we members vote on guidelines, the organization negotiates those guidelines with our major health insurer. We remain within our guidelines in each case so that the insurance policy will cover those cases should they develop into major needs. I guess that when there is a question about applying the guidelines, the office must take that up with the insurer because they must both agree on the interpretation.
I think Christian Care is a very compassionate way to operate. We individually agree when we join, and cumulatively agree when we vote, exactly how we are going to express our compassion toward each others needs. When you compassionately agree to help with my medical care and I agree to stay away from illegal drugs, for instance, then I overdose on them, I would be completely out of place to accuse you of being an incompassionate person for keeping the agreement we both came to. In fact, unless I were a completely self-absorbed person, I would expect you to keep your side of the agreement and would agreeably commend you for doing so.
My encouragement to the office is to continue to orchestrate the agreement, no more and no less (as I believe they are doing), as the managers of the compassionate contributions of others. To do otherwise is to become less compassionate toward those who are donating to meet specific needs of others in this way. Occasionally the office has developed its own sense of compassion toward a hospital in Africa, or another project not related to the distribution of the compassionate healthcare of participants. However, I am sure contributions are in reality designated and should not be channeled in other directions. No doubt many members and many people in the office express their individual compassion by giving generously to other such causes through organizations set up for those purposes, and this is as it should be.
Good article. Let me tell you folks, I have litigated against major medical insurnace companies, who basically jerked folks around in paying the claims; talk about “wing and a prayer”; the regular medical insurance companies certainly have more exclusions of coverage than Med Share here. I have health insurance with a good company now, but with all the regulations etc… believe me, red tape abounds.
So, when they bash your program, they need to take a look in the mirror. Why do you think there is such a cry and hue for health care reform. Looks to me like Med Share was light years ahead!
Bryce Neier
I agree with you Bryce – claims issues abound with health insurance companies. However, you must admit that Medi-Share has some serious problems with paying legitimate claims in a timely manner. I have been in the health insurance world for over 10 years and haven’t seen such a consistently poor response to paying legit claims by any carrier. I friend of mine has said the same things that have been posted here. He is very diligent with finances, yet he and his wife have spent countless frustrating hours trying to get Medi-share to pay their providers for two claims. This is a major stress factor for people who already have challenges with health concerns and finances — this is truly adding insult to injury (or sickness). Having to deal with collection agencies, etc. for legitimate claims related to childbirth, etc. is totally unacceptable.
I think Medi-share is a great concept. I think it works wonderfully for those who don’t exceed their share limit. However, they really need to address their claims-paying process.
Hey Greg,
I don’t know too much about the claims issues with Medi Share; have read their ads over the years; got a packet about two yrs ago; was looking at it;
Any others out there who can share their claims experience?
Bryce
Greg, I have been with Medi-Share a long time and had major claims, and I’m wondering specifically what the problems your friend had with receiving reimbursements for his claims, because it could have been for various reasons that Medi-Share makes clear with participants from the beginning. For instance the organization is a member of the PHCS network of the PPO MultiPlan and reimburses amounts to medical providers accordingly. If your friend received care outside the PPO, then the providers may have sent him bills to cover the differences in costs, whereas providers within the PPO are not supposed to do that, and it may have taken him time to clarify and take care of all that. If your friend thought the providers would bill Medi-Share directly and delayed collecting his bills and sending them in, then payments would be later than he expected. As you see, there are several ways he could have been disappointed if he tried to handle things outside the clear methods. Just to say he was disappointed with late payments overlooks the reasons it happened. I haven’t run into that personally.
John, My friend had two separate claims; Both of them were with in-network providers. He did things the right way, so the delayed claims payments were no fault of his own. If you read through the posts here, I think it is plain that this problem of delayed claims payments and the resulting problems (collection agencies) is not very uncommon with Medi-Share members. Maybe I’m wrong to make this assumption. As one person posted, it is important to be very proactive about claims. I think the sharing concept of Medi-Share is great. This seems to be one drawback that hopefully Medi-share will improve.
Based on my perusal of this article and the exclusion criteria made available on Medi-Share’s website, I would highlight an additional hazard for potential participants (and an additional reason for concern that unBiblical principles may be at work): Medi-Share’s blanket exclusion of “Psychiatric or psychological (mental health) counseling, testing, treatment or hospitalization.”
Apparently the portion of the Evangelical subculture that still stigmatizes mental health disorders has a strong enough voice in the Medi-Share membership to deny coverage of legitimate medical issues that do NOT in any way stem from living an “unBiblical lifestyle.” The suicidally depressed teenager, the mother who suffers a schizophrenic break at 35, the soldier who comes home from Iraq with PTSD — all of these will be forced to cover their own treatment expenses for devastating and even life-threatening illnesses because of… what, exactly? An underlying assumption that “real Christians” don’t suffer from psychiatric problems? You might as well arbitrarily refuse to cover broken bones because “real Christians” aren’t subject to the laws of gravity.
A tremendous amount of misinformation and superstition around mental health still persists in both the Christian and secular spheres; however, a Christian organization explicitly devoted to providing healthcare through Western medicine has a responsibility to be fully aware of the most accurate medical information available. Medi-Share will continue to make unjust and, yes, unChristian decisions surrounding mental health coverage so long as it continues to fail in this regard.
Medi-Share has done nothing wrong by saying they will not cover claims of people who drink and have an accident while intoxicated. It is OK to put that in your guidelines and then stick to it. Jesus set down guidelines. It is not un-Christian to stick to your guidelines that you have laid out. When you sign up with Medi-Share, you are promising to not drink alcohol. If you break rules, there are consequences. When the Highway Department says, “Drink, Drive, Go To Jail”, it would be sad if they never sent people to jail. We would have drunks all over the roads, worse than we have now. Read the scriptures which talk about saying what you mean and meaning what you say. A person who drinks and then expects a company to break rules for them is barking up the wrong tree. This would be considered a form of tough love. Read the stories in the Bible where Christ had tough love. My main point is, that if you sign a contract which says you will not drink because we will not cover if you do, keep your end of the contract, but do not point a finger when they keep their end of the contract. As for the claim that Medi-Share would not pay, an Extra Blessings fund is set up for those instances.
Hi,
I’ve been on the search for health coverage for over 12 years. I have also been self emploeed for a majority of the years. Being a small(emphasis on small)business owner for 7 of those twelve years. I have found that my greatest resource is taking GOD at his word. Having an HSA or any other form of insurance including a medical sharing program is fine and wonderful, but don’t ever exclude the power of the Almighty and his son Jesus to fill in any and all gaps. When the body of Christ comes together as in one heart in prayer and supplication, all things are possible. My point is simple, put your trust back in GOD and he WILL provide. I read all the stories above about the intoxicated man, and how un-charitable it was for his coverage to be denied. Wake up! GOD is a mericful and loving God, but he is also a just God. He forgives us daily of many un-told sins, but he does’nt take away the consequences of those sins every time. When David fell into sin with the tragedy of Bathseba, he was forgiven but still paid a very steep price. David seen his sin and acknowledged it before GOD. David took ownership of his sin and GOD did as he promised in every way. Also remember that Medi-share is a business, and shares are calculated no different than how insurance companies calculate them, risk vs cost. They have to base the value of a monthly share in to proportion of the claims recieved. Insurance companies than add a tremendous amount on for “profit and overhead”, which is un-disclosed except to the board and comptroller. At least medi-share is up front with there math. And let’s not take the responsibility of the exuberante cost of health care away from the Hospitals and Physicians to, they to have lost sight of the hypocritical oath! I am a general contractor by trade and have seen first hand the vast greed in the health care industry. I could send you pictures of some homes along with the ammeneties that are built for these people. WOW does sin abide! Doctors, lawyers, executives on the rampage without any Jesus to pilot there ship but there own sin nature. I conclussion, if medi-share accepted every pre-exsisting condition and did’nt operate with good wisdom and stewardship, many people wouild not be able to afford medi-share at all. Satan would win, the company would go bankrupt and thousands would loss in the end!
Just chew on this for awhile!
Thanks, In Christ service,
Robert
My wife and I have used both Medi-Share and Samaritan Ministries. My wife’s first C-section was covered by Medi-Share. The money came through just fine, but there was a long wait. We become pretty uncomfortable because we felt the hospital should not have to wait that long (it was several months). We would have paid for it ourselves and had Medi-Share simply reimburse us, but some friends of ours tried that and waited more than a year to get their money. We switched to Samaritan before our second child and our experience with them was much better. Since we are the saving type, we simply paid the bill out of our savings and waited about two months to get reimbursed by the other members. Others we know have had good luck with Medi-Share, but we like Samaritan better.
I am a 59 year old male who was laid off 2 years ago. Since then I have only been able to get temporary part time work which doesn’t have health insurance. I had been looking at Medishare for the 2 years since I got laid off. But I was able to get my same medical plan as my former employer, an HMO with very low out of pocket and no deductible, for only $120.00 a month. This was due to the stimulus plan. In October, my HMO coverage was continued for another 18 months, but at $475.00 a month. Suddenly I became interested in alternatives to COBRA coverage. The Medishare plan of $360.00 a month with a $1,250.00 annual deductible does look appealing.
I have had high blood pressure, controlled with medication for over 20 years. I wasn’t expecting them to cover that. I can get my medications from Wal Mart, Target or Wal Greens for $20.00 for a 90 day supply. That isn’t a concern for me.
I applied for Medishare, and answered their questionnaire on-line about two weeks ago. A few days later I applied for Anthem Blue Cross. Although, Blue Cross has a a deductible of 3,300 per year (then pays 60% until you reach a total out of pocket of $6,800 per year) the premium is only $293 a month (that is with a 25% up-charge over the quoted rate for my pre-existing condition). Although the total out of pocket on Blue Cross is high, it does cover 2 routine doctor visits per year without needing to meet the deductible. Medishare doesn’t cover routine visits.
I have already been approved by Blue Cross and received my ID cards for coverage starting March 1. If I accept Blue Cross I can cancel the COBRA effective Feb 28.
Blue Cross was OK with going with my doctor’s records from my last visit in August. However, Medishare wants me to visit my doctor to get my current weight verified (I weigh 165 now, but in August I weighed 170. But at 5’8 inches the 170 is not over weight). They also want my doctor to verify my height, waist size and blood pressure, even though my doctor has 20 years of records on these. They even go as far as recommending I take a tape measure with me to my doctor visit. I guess doctors don’t often measure waist size. No problem with that. But is my current health plan going to pay for my office visit to get these things verified for my new health plan? If not it is $140.00 for an office visit.
I paid Medishare $50.00 for an application fee. But if I am approved I will owe them not only my first months premium (share) of $360.00, but another additional fee of $125.00 approval fee in addition to the already paid $50.00, plus whatever the doctor’s visit will cost. So the first month isn’t cheap.
Also note that the first month with Medishare I am not covered for any medical expense sharing for the first month, except for an accident. That is limited to $50,000. Except for the high blood pressure I have been healthy and not in the hospital since July 31 1966 (yes, since before we landed on the moon!).
If I go with Medishare the first month will be very expensive:
$50.00 application fee
$125.00 fee, plus the first month share of $360.00
Plus $475.00 to my old insurance company for my COBRA coverage to be continued for another month since Medishare does not pay for any medial expenses the first month (except as noted above). So, basically I am paying for double medical coverage the first month.
Total first month cost: $475 + $50 + $125 + 360 = $1,010
That $1,010 will pay 3-1/2 months of Blue Cross premiums.
The only reason for anyone over age 40 to ever needs health insurance is to not worry about their life savings wiped out in case of a medical catastrophe. The older you get the more likely you are to have a major medical event. I don’t want to spend a week or 2 in the hospital and come out with a $250,000 bill that will wipe out my savings (because basically that is all I am living on now) or require me to file for bankruptcy.
Despite the various opinions on whether the medical expenses of the drunk driver should have been covered, my main concern is if I have a major medial event due to no fault of my own, am I going to be covered? The stories I’ve read about calls from collection agencies, the 2 years it took to pay a $70,000 bill, and the lady with the tail bone issue have me thinking this Medishare is not a good way to cover yourself against unexpected large medical expenses.
If I am approved and 6 months from now I need heart bypass surgery are they going to try to get out of paying because I already have high blood pressure? (which is controlled with medication). Remember people with normal blood pressure have heart issues.
If they do pay, will I need to put up with 2 years of collection calls and threat of lawsuits before it is paid off? Someone recovering from a major health issue doesn’t need the additional grief of worrying: “Are my bills going to get paid or are they going to take my house to cover my bill?”
I was happy to hear of such a plan that appears to Glorify God. I would love to participate but my chronic illnesses since childhood would prevent acceptance. So I’m sticking with the plan Jesus picked out for me and the great retirement plan too.
I’m coming in a little late to the discussion, but I wanted to address a comment by Sgillesp regarding “retail” medical care. I recently went through a hospitalization as an uninsured patient and every billing department I dealt with except the labs offered a 30% discount for cash payment and an additional 10% if you were able to pay within 30 days. Which makes a person wonder who is paying retail?
I have had some issues with insurance in the past. I currently have a simple plan with a somewhat hefty deductible, and I wanted to look into other options. The Medi-share plan seemed appealing since it is a “Christian” organization and supposedly non-profit.
When I contacted Medi-share, I was informed about all the perks and benefits which would lead any discerning individual to consider this as a viable option. We went over a few prerequisites such as no smoking, leading a moral life as defined by the bible, etc. All of this is fine for me in terms of my belief system and personal morals. We then went over a few medical related questions, and the issue of pre-existing conditions came up.
Without sounding like a hypochondriac, I can say that I have a few medical issues which requires regular medication and probably will for the foreseeable future. All issues are hereditary and cannot be traced to any lifestyle choices. Unfortunately, none of these ailments, one of which is asthma (which has placed me in the hospital in the past) is supported by Medi-share unless I have not had any recurrence (including maintenance medication) for at least three years. My medication doesn’t have a generic form and is very expensive. I cannot simply give it up for three years in order to have it covered.
While Mr. McNair was very friendly over the phone, he could offer little in the way of comfort for my pre-existing problems. He did mention that there is a plan for if I were to incur a medical expense over $2,500 in one instance (i.e. hospitalization), but seeing as how I almost didn’t survive such an encounter last time, I am reluctant to depend on such a “perk”.
All in all, Medi-share seems like a very viable and good health-care program so long as the applicant is healthy and has no issues that can cause problems in the near future. I was truly hoping for an affordable alternative to insurance, but it seems that Medi-share is the same as any other insurance plan as far as coverage and care are concerned.
For now I will stick with my current insurance. As simple as it is, it does cover my asthma and all its treatments (once I pay off my deductible). Hopefully, in the future, there might be a Christian organization that truly will help those who really need an alternative to insurance.
I am seriously looking into the Med-Share “plan” and based on comments in this thread regarding payment of claims I contacted the company to ask about this. I was told that they didn’t have a current “report” that showed the data about how long it is taking to pay claims but that “about a year ago they were paying in 83 days” and they were working on improving the time. This is very close to 3 months! I find this appalling and unacceptable that doctors have to wait that long and it affects the patient to doctor relationship. I asked for a current report and they have not replied, nor have they even acknowledged my request. This is really poor customer service. I gave them this link to read up on what people have to say about their experiences with them.
I need someone’s advice. Please help, if you can.
I’m a fairly healthy 62-yo single woman with moderately high BP, controlled with medication. I’m self-employed and my Blue Cross premium for myself alone recently went up to $850/month! Ugh. I don’t see how I can continue making these premium payments. I’m barely covering my basic living expenses.
I’m considering Medi-Share. I have read EVERY post above dating back to June, 2009, so no need to go back over ground already covered. However, I wonder if anyone can/will succinctly answer these questions.
1. With Medi-Share, what’s the very worst that could happen?
2. If I give up my Blue Cross insurance, I will be considered uninsured, right? Which means I will never again qualify for health insurance, correct?
3. What happens when I turn 65 and qualify for Medicare?
4. Is the additional plan for prescription meds worthwhile?
Thanks for your experience and insights.
Not a good idea if you have a claim. Although the intentions may be sincere, the talk definitely is not the walk. Just try to get an approval for a medical procedure (which takes two months or more just to be reviewed) or try to get a claim paid. Experience speaks volumes. Good intentions are just what they are until put into action. I have yet to see this.
Sheryl, Since my last post on Feb 13, I decide to go with Anthem Blue Cross.
I am a healthy male, 59 years old with moderately high blood pressure that is controlled with medication. I also have a past history of slightly elevated cholesterol but it has been normal the past 2 annual checkups. They are however charging me a 25% premium surcharge for my pre-existing conditions. But my monthly premium is only $294.00 a month. I do have to pay two months at a time though.
The way to lower your monthly premium is to raise your deductible. My deductible is basically $6,900 a year. But they do allow two office visits per year for a $40.00 co-pay without meeting the deductible. If you are basically healthy you probably only go to the doctor twice a year anyway.
I said basically $6,900 a year because it works like this: $3,900 a year deductible. After that is met, they pay 60% until your total out of pocket is $6,900. Then they pay 100%. There is no cap. I know $6,900 is a lot of money, but it is better than a $50,000 medical bill and no insurance. Most people can fit $6,900 on a credit card.
To answer your questions: “1. With Medi-Share, what’s the very worst that could happen?”
You have a large medical bill that doesn’t get paid in a timely manner and you are sued. Medishare does pay claims, but sometimes it takes them a while to pay the entire amount. I know large insurance companies are slow at paying too. But everyone has heard of Blue Cross. If you are unknown you sometimes need to do better than the known companies.
“2. If I give up my Blue Cross insurance, I will be considered uninsured, right? Which means I will never again qualify for health insurance, correct?”
Yes, you will be uninsured. It won’t prevent you from qualifying for insurance but the rate could be higher. Medishare emphases they are not insurance. When my past insurance plans have ended, because my employer switched companies, the insurance company always sent me a Certificate of Prior Insurance. You won’t be getting that should you end your Medishare plan.
“What happens when I turn 65 and qualify for Medicare?”
In three years Medishare should have Medicare supplement plan. I was told their board of directors were working on getting a plan in place but they don’t have one now.
We are presently with Medi-Share and have been for about 3 years. We have only used it once, when my husband cut his finger open in a welding accident. It was finally taken care of (less our responsibility portion) about a year later. Also, when my husband turned 55 our rates went up. I have recently found something very similar, called Christian Healthcare Ministries, which operates on the same principle, only it will cost me $250/mo less and the price does not increase as we age. So I have decided to switch.
I would greatly discourage any one from this plan. Everything that has been submitted to this plan has been rejected as a pre-existing condition, even things that were clearly not pre-existing. There really is no one watching over them to keep them honest. All of this doesn’t even come close to what you may be used to with a “regular” health insurance plan.
Good initial article.
I’m a current representative with Medi-Share (was formerly an insurance agent) and my job is to essentially answer questions pertaining to the program and to help people determine if Medi-Share is the right choice for them in a casual, conversational manner. Oftentimes information can get twisted, and some posts I read through were out-dated as Medi-Share has made continual improvements (Offering a medicare supplement in August this year). I’m not posting to sell you on Medi-Share, but offering my contact information so you can receive direct answers to direct questions.
I’m happy to help. 1-800-772-5623 extension #2350
I would like to remind anyone reading this that having health insurance or sharing healthcare costs is not a license to be negligent of taking care of yourself and constantly educating yourself on how to do so. I believe that the basics of eating right and exercise on a consistent basis is crucial for OPTIMAL health. (Remember Daniel??) Note I say OPTIMAL, not just problem free. Of course, dealing with spiritual side of things by keeping faith in the Ultimate Healer and doing your part to deal with stress and promptly forgiving those that hurt you or forgiving yourself. Spiritual issues affect the body.
Without getting too deep, I would suggest (if not happening already) that Medi-share would have spiritual counselors or health consultants that would work with people with healthcare needs. Ideally, these can should be in your community and local church. True sharing not only means our monthly dues, but our time, space, things, food, expertise, knowledge, kind words for brothers and sisters in the Faith. Anyway, having a doctor hotline could help offset costs from your deductible (instead of running to a doctor every time something comes up). One I’ve used and recommend is Life Extension Foundation, which is only $75/yr and whose doctors have a both a traditional and natural medicine understanding. You call in a talk to a doctor, tell them your symptoms, and they’ll give you recommendations. If its serious, they’ll tell you to see a doctor in person. Or you can ask questions for other people or about long term issues.
My point is take charge of your own health. Do your own homework. I am looking for an “insurance” plan that would be around $50/mo since I would require only coverage for emergencies. Checkups and such I believe should be out of pocket.
I am a heath insurance agent in Florida. I have been selling all forms of health insurance since 1986. I find Medi-Share to be very intriguing and potentially a great way to reduce cost yet I have some reservations. I am considering joining (I did put in my application) but after reading all the details in the material I received, I find that there could be some very slippery ground. Or course from a spiritual standpoint the concept is phenominal (with the exception of the pre-existing condition stance) yet from a worldly view there seems to be verbiage that would raise huge caution flags to me if I were dealing with an insurance company. The premesis of living a bilically based lifestyle sounds great but from a worldly perspective, my concern is that it may also be a clever avenue to get out of claim payments while standing behind Faith Based reasoning. The other concern I have is that with Medishare, if things don’t work and I drop from participating, Im concerned there could be a loss of the big benefit of pre-existing condition coverage takeover. In Florida, pre-esisting conditions are fully covered on group health plans as long as you are coming from another health insurance plan with no more than a 62 day lapse in coverage. I am not sure if Medishare qualifies as prior health insurance especially since they themselves say they are not health insurance. What this means to me is that if someone were to come onto this plan and for any reason it doesnt work out, they will no longer have the ability to get on a group health plan and have any pre-existing conditions accepted. That frightens me and one of the main reasons I have not fully bought into this yet. Finally (I’m really bearing my heart here), IF they are TRULY in the spirit and IF they are TRULY in their hearts acting through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then I’d jump right on the program and tell all my friends to do so too. However if at their core they maintain a business mindset and not a spiritual mindset than the pre-existing condition limitations and exclusions, “life style stances” and heavy underwriting causes me great concern. If they maintain a business mindset behind the closed doors and not a spiritual mindest, I’d personally run as fast as I could from this program. I think under this scenario, they could wrestle out of any large claim based on tecnhicalities or rules. I am actively researching wheter or not there has been any significant complaint history to try to put this concern to ease. With an insurance contract , although probably more expensive I feel there is more black and white to operate within. I still may move ahead with membership but after much more research. If I feel at peace in my heart with Medishare after my due diligence, I will become their largest advocate! I have to pray more about this decision and obtain a peace that I am resting my health care in the hands of a truly Spirit led ministry and not a business. I’d love to be able to move forward because from first appearance, it looks great to me; just checking under the hood.
Find this to be as bogus and self-serving as any other health care/ supplemental provider. You are eligible as long as “they” determine you will not need care. You get the income support as long as everybody agress to pay it (a very self-serving approach). I am not a Bible scholar, but I do believe carrying the burdon of your brothers means helping those with the greatest need, not those that can afford to pay or the ones the group decides to help. I wouldn’t touch this program with a 10-foot pole.
Does MediShare negotiate with hospitals and doctors before paying bills like insurance companies do?
Medi-Share uses a network of PPOs to keep shares down and also negotiates bills for the members.
Thank you all for the information on Medi-Share. After reading many of these posts I want to give out some info that may help SOME of you who are still uninsured.
If you live in or around San Antonio, Texas visit Faith Family Clinic if you work and are uninsured and do not qualify for CareLink.
http://faithfamilyclinic.org
If you live in or around Nashville check out Faith Family Medical Clinic
http://www.faithmedical.org/
Hopefully these resources will help!!
-amber
My husband and I are in MediShare and think it is great!
Greetings one and all.
I confess that I am skeptic in life, despite my Faith, which is strong. One needs only turn on the evening news to see the cruelty we inflict on one another or the scandals that lurk around every corner. So I was naturally skeptical of this “christian program” as I read through all the comments I could on Medishare. I visited their website and I heard a few ads on Christian radio – but I had trouble believing the hype and expected the worst. I saw reference in one post to an employee named Mr. McNair and also saw the post from Aj who offered to assist with questions and I figured, with the cost of my insurance set to increase to $900 a month in September, I had nothing to lose by calling to find out about the program and compare costs.
I called Aj, who is an obvious employee of medishare. I expected the same treatment I got everywhere else, a pushy sales associate who wanted to know everything about me and my medical past over the phone before offering a speck of information about the program. I also expected to be on the phone for at least an hour while Aj sold me on the program. I expected to be a prospect, a fish on a hook waiting to be reeled in. Afterall, I’m a skeptic.
In truth, I was blown away by the experience. Aj was warm, engaging, funny, and professional – a nice change of pace from the mile-a-minute salespeople at Blue Cross. He asked me what information I would like to know about the program before ever asking me about my medical past. When I informed him that I wanted to know the price, how it worked and what wasn’t covered – Aj provided exactly that information, and he made it fun. I laughed on the phone and almost forgot I was calling about insurance. I wanted an apples-to-apples comparison between my current coverage and the comparable medishare plan and Aj provided it; he even even took a moment to explain the difference between co-pays and co-insurance without making me feel like an idiot.
Basically, my current plan with Kaiser has a 2500 deductible and a maximum coinsurance of $5000. My total out of pocket could be 7500. My premiums will go up to 900/month starting in september.
The medishare plan has a 2500 deductible and zero coinsurance. My total out of pocket could 2500. The premium would be just under 400/month, and could be less if I qualify for a health discount program.
I’m a skeptic, but saving 6000/year just in premiums is hard to ignore!
Despite the obvious price advantage and the possible discount, Aj didn’t try to sell me on the medishare insurance. Instead he acknowledged the importance of the decision and suggested I take time to review the program guidelines on the website so that I could make an “informed decision.” He even informed me that he would not allow me to apply before I had read the guidelines for the program. Before he let me know, Aj offered to field any further questions I might have and bid me a blessed day. The call took less than 15 minutes.
I was impressed with the numbers and the honesty of the answers I received, but I was more impressed with the professionalism and respect that I received. If I had to base my decision solely on customer service from this single call, it would be an easy decision to make.
I plan to review the information, compare it more closely to my current plan and I am certain I will have more questions for Aj. If I decide to move forward with the medishare insurance, I will be sure to review it here in the future.
Be Blessed!
Hey Everyone. I have two questions:
1. Has anyone had a baby while on Medi-Share? How was the experience?
2. If I put my wife on the plan, but keep myself on my employer’s plan, will the premium be astronomical?
Had 2 babies on Medi-Share – they take forever to pay, but they did pay everything and I had no problems. I would just take the plunge unless you employer’s plan is free, Medishare is so much cheaper than regular insurance. I also had a Melanoma and they’ve paid for all followup care and initial treatment no problem. The biggest issue is making sure they pay the provider in a timely fashion…you will get late notices if they don’t.
I like the idea of saving money on insurance because we choose to live a healthy lifestyle. Eating right, exercising and sleeping well are essential to health and to a certain extent, we are all responsible for basic levels of health. These lifestyle choices definitely shows up in medical records (and one’s girth at the waistline). It seems the It Medi-Share tries to screen out those who are medically dependent or a high risk because of lifestyle choices. I realize that many people have medical issues that aren’t their fault like cancer, diabetes or heart conditions. But a lot of cancers are promoted by unhealthy habits like smoking or overexposure to sun. Diabetes and heart desease in many instances is brought on by lifestyle choices as well. The bottom line is that this plan isn’t for everyone and I’m glad we and others will have to qualify to get in. This “non insurance” plan that can cover major medical expenses will be a good choice for some and not so for others. And it’s clear to me that sharing isn’t charity. There are a lot of folks looking for a handout. It seems our society has bred that into us and are the first to accuse the church of not doing its part. My question to them is how many times have they help pay medical expenses for even their extended families? Medi-Share seems to be a way to work with others committed to good health and not just feed into the welfare mentality. For those folks, I’m already contributing through my taxes.
It’s certainly a creative idea! I also think it would be slightly difficult to tell who is actually of faith and not just trying to game the system for cheaper insurance. But if they work in some sort of checks and balances with the church to make sure people are active members, I could see it working in smaller communities.
My husband is overweight. He weighs around the 375 mark & has a 6ft frame. Of course, he wants to lose weight and is successful in spurts…
Because of his weight we cannnot get him accepted with Health Insurances & if we do they quote us outrageous premiums. Would being overweight be a reason Medi-Share would deny him?
Hi Angela,
We examine applicants on a case-by-case basis and we’re continually reviewing our policies, so it may be best for you to call one of our Reps to talk with them at 1-800-772.56323. It’s hard to answer your question just by what you wrote here because more goes into qualifying than just weight and height. I ecourage you to call to have your questions answered more thoroughly.
However, we do have a special program called Restore, which provides a health coach to help reverse/prevent disease and/or lose weight to get in a healthy range. A lot of our Restore health partners find real success when on the program. We have overweight members be a part of the program so they can meet healthy goals and make successful lifestyle changes.
However, if for some reason your husband was denied from Medi-Share, he can still become a member of the Restore program without being a Medi-Share member and work toward becoming a member in the future (if his disqualifying reason was something that could be worked on through the program).
Here is a testimonial video from someone who was on the Restore program. She wasn’t on there for weight, but for cholesterol and found great success. http://mychristiancare.org/video.aspx?vid=520
One of our representatives would be happy to answer any of your questions. Feel free to call one of our Reps at 1-800-772-5623.
Nikki, I’ve been subscribed to these comments ever since I left a response in January (see above) noting with great concern Medishare’s blanket exclusion of coverage for mental health issues. Not entirely to my surprise, not a single commenter has addressed this issue in the past nine months. As you are apparently affiliated with Medishare, could you possibly address this in some fashion?
Hi Naomi,
Christian Care Ministry’s mission is to help support and share in the burdens of our Member’s spiritual and physical well-being in as many ways as we can. Members choose and vote on what areas they specifically want to share in and what they do not want to share in. At this time mental health issues are not shared. However, our program is always changing and growing with our Members. For example, originally maternity was not shared. But after a vote, Members decided to change that and now we have a maternity program many Members enjoy. That being said, we do want to support our Members emotionally and spiritually as well. We have a staff chaplain who is available to speak with Members who need to talk and have prayer needs. Also most of our employees who work with Members over the phone are there for prayer as well.
But more importantly, I want you to know that the reason we do not share in mental health issues is NOT because we find it unbiblical, like your original comment in January was concerned about. Just like we didn’t share in maternity before– it wasn’t because the membership thought maternity was unbiblical or “not Christian.” It’s just unfortunately, we cannot share in everything. But as our Membership grows, what we share in does expand because growth in our numbers increases the capacity of what we are able to share in. Since we’re a sharing ministry, everyone’s care relies solely on everyone else’s contributions. If we shared in everything, we’d have a harder time being able to take care of a lot of our Members in the way that we currently do. Medi-Share never prorates the shares allocated toward your medical bills. If your bill is eligible, then your bill will be shared to the full extent it is eligible for. We also try to keep our shares as low as possible through discounts with Preferred Provider Organizations so each family will be able to budget the money they save for what they need for other un-shared medical expenses, such as routine and preventative care.
As we grow, we expand our programs. We’re always looking for more ways to better serve the needs of our Members. And we have yearly ballots for Members to vote on changes they want to see in our programs. Hopefully one day we will be able to assist in other needs such as mental health issues. If you would like to talk to someone in person about this, feel free to call one of our representatives who may be able to better assist you in answering your questions. The number to reach someone at is 1-800-772-5623
Thanks for the clarification Nikki.
Medi-share is not health insurance. There is no guarantee that your medical bills will be paid. If an insurance company goes under, it’s often purchased by another company, or the state takes over until the policies can be apportioned amongst other insurers. Also, insurance companies are highly regulated by the dep’t of insurance in each state, and are required to maintain financial reserves for future claims. Medi-share has none of this oversight and financial backing.
Medi-share certainly has some advantages, as outlined on their website, and it might be ‘cheaper’, but you might get what you pay for.
Before making any decisions, please read Medi-share’s guidelines on their webpage, especially parts VI, VII, VIII, and IX (http://mychristiancare.org/guidelines.aspx).
Also, here’s a couple of articles on ‘sharing plans’:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/22/AR2005102200046.html
http://www.uccs.edu/~ur/2006/view_article_mediawatch.php?y=mediawatch_articles&article_id=18377
A court in Kentucky recently ruled that Medi-share was not a sharing plan but was acting as an insurance plan and since it did not conform to KY dep’t of insurance regulations, was barred from operating in KY altogether. This happened just 7 months ago: http://kyhealthnews.blogspot.com/2011/03/judge-issues-permanent-injunction.html
I noticed that prescriptions are not covered. Do you know what the #1 expenditure of Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Iowa is? That’s right: drugs. Health insurance companies aren’t nearly as profitable (especially mutual ones like Wellmark where the policyholders actually own the company) as pharmaceutical companies. That’s where the money is, and that’s one of the main reasons health care costs continue to rise at unsustainable levels.
Finally, I’d like to hear a response to the question raised above regarding fee negotiation. Insurance companiesoften negotiate much lower fees from health providers than what a ‘retail’ person would pay if they had no insurance…you’ll often see it on your medical bills, and the discounts can be huge! Does Medi-share receive these discounts?
The name of the game is due diligence!
Hi Tom,
Medi-Share does degotiate discounts. Medi-Share is a part of a large Preferred Provider Organization that also has discounts for members who use providers within the network. Members can also nominate their own physicians to be considered as part of the network. Some of those discounts even apply toward routine care. One of the things that is unique about Medi-Share is that we do the negotiating for you. A lot of other similar organizations ask you to do the negotiating yourself. Members also recieve a prescription discount card. Depending on the case, presciptions can be eligible for sharing up to 6-month.
If you have any questions about discounts, prescriptions or the program in general, please feel free to call one of our Representatives at 1-800-772-5623.
How does this compare to Christian Healthcare Ministries?
I’d like to chime in on a few things about healthcare in general to put many items in perspective. Have not tried Medi-share but might be interested in the future if I go self employed. While Christian organizations should attempt to be timely when paying, keep in mind that hospitals collect less than 30% of their fees at time of service. And for health charges that go to collections, less than half of the payments are made. This shows that the insurance companies slow pay for a reason – it reduces the overall payments. I’m not defending that practice, but simply highlighting what happens.
And even if Medi-share’s payment time is almost 90 days, everybody assumes that the healthcare provider is timely with their billing and supporting documentation – prompt coded bill, dr notes, specialist notes, labs, etc.
I went to a local doc in a box outfit for a cold, paid my copay and got my prescription. Then 2 and half years later I get a statement for an outstanding bill of $90 with payment due immediately. According to their bill, 2 months after my visit, my insurance company had paid $90 less than the remaining balance. I called the billing company and had the lady drop this charge after she realized how foolish it seemed to never hear from a company that long and finally get a bill.
As for a ‘retail customer’ pays more, I would offer this example. I knew a 55 year old gentlemen without health insurance that went to a local ER (DFW area) with kidney stone pain. His bill was $9600 but they discounted it to $1600 because of no insurance. I saw the bill so I know he didn’t make it up.
As you can see from the examples, the health industry is a strange can of worms. And you can make your proclamations about what should be covered and how a Christian business should operate, but you really need to understand this industry first because it is a mess. Not surprising considering that over 50% of it is funded by the government hydra.
To be clear, Medi-share is not an insurance program. Medi-share operates as a non-profit group and while members pay into a group fund each month, the money is never Medi-share’s money. Furthermore, Medi-share is not required to pay any bill, nor keep cash reserves on hand.If you go to http://www.newsonhealthcare.com you will see that they have reviews and articles on medi-share. I hope the above helped.
UPDATE INFO ON MEDI-SHARE:
Medi-share is indeed a unique program for providing assistance with medical care, but unlike health insurance programs this route uses blatant discrimination to prevent certain individuals from benefiting from its service. Mychristiancare.org specifically points out that only those engaging in sexual intercourse within a “Christian” marriage are allowed to join. This immediately eliminates gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals from enrolling in Medi-share. The program also places limits on services it covers based upon religious beliefs and states specifically that abortions will not be covered under any circumstance.
If I submit a claim to Medi Share and it is paid, is the money I receive considered taxable income from the US Government? If not, how does the government view the money I receive from a claim? This is not normal health insurance so the money has to be reported to the government in some manner.