Christian Sharing Ministries

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The Scoop on Christian Sharing Ministries

With rising health insurance premiums, and anger-fueled opinions in regard to the individual health market in general, many of our clients are beginning to ask if there are “out of the box” options for their health coverage.  One of those options, although certainly not “new” by any means, is a “Christian sharing ministry”, and enrollment numbers are growing at a greater pace than ever before.

One important thing you must know about the sharing ministries is that they are NOT insurance plans—and they do NOT meet the qualifications of the Affordable Care Act.  For you, this may mean that if you have a pre-existing condition, it will NOT be covered; although your sharing ministry may CHOOSE to participate in the cost-sharing, if eligible.  Also, this will mean that if you’ve gotten used to your traditional health insurance plan paying for the “preventive” services for free (mammograms, women’s exams, colonoscopies and physicals), you’ll need to start setting aside for these same services out of pocket.  

While these options are certainly not a fit for all, they are well-suited in many cases.  Perhaps you don’t have any pre-existing conditions, and take no medications…or you’re willing to take a higher financial burden in return for an affordable monthly cost.  Also, typically you can enroll in these programs any time of year, rather than having to wait until the standard ACA Open Enrollment timelines (November 1st-December 15th).  As a member of a typical sharing program, it is simply a way to “share” each other’s medical bills while enjoying significantly more affordable pricing than the alternative ACA options.

Interested? Call or email us today and we’d be happy to explain how these programs work, and if you might be a fit!

Leah Callahan