You may have heard of “Christian health insurance,” but what exactly is it?
While there is no such thing as “Christian health insurance,” there are Christian health sharing ministries that offer healthcare programs with a range of benefits. These are typically more affordable and more flexible than traditional health insurance.
Having some type of plan to help cover the costs of healthcare is important, especially considering how expensive medical care is, and how the cost is rising every year. That’s why health insurance plans exist. Whether your employer offers a group plan or you purchase your own individual private insurance plan, a health insurance policy can help by providing important healthcare benefits and offset care-related expenses.
Unfortunately, many Americans with health insurance may be spending more on their health insurance premiums and deductibles than they would if they were to pay out-of-pocket for their health care after receiving services or treatment.
The good news is that there are other alternatives to health insurance in the form of Christian health sharing ministries.
Health Insurance Costs Are Rising
In 2020, individuals pay an average of $456 per month for health insurance, and $1,152 for a family. This is in addition to deductibles, which must be paid/satisfied before a policy kicks in to pay for medical care. In the US, the average annual deductible for individual coverage is $4,364, and for families, that number is $8,439.
Of course, costs range based on the different health plans available. That said, it’s easy to see how these costs can really add up and eat into the average household budget.
Christian Health Sharing Ministries Present an Affordable and Flexible Option
It’s clear that paying for health insurance is extremely expensive. Further, there are certain restrictions that you may face with a health Insurance plan.
This is one of the differences between a traditional health insurance policy and a program offered by a Christian health sharing ministry. So, while there is no such thing as “Christian health insurance,” Christian health sharing ministries offer healthcare programs with a range of benefits that are typically more affordable and more flexible.
Members of these healthcare sharing ministries can save as much as 50% or more compared to a typical health insurance policy. In addition, they have more flexibility in terms of the medical professionals that they choose to see.
Perhaps one of the more unique aspects of health share ministries is the opportunity they present for people of similar faith to be a part of an organization where they are both helped and can help others, fulfilling their Christian obligation to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
As a member, not only will the contributions you make go toward helping a family pay for their medical expenses, but the funds will also be there when you need them, too.
At the end of the day, Christian health sharing programs present not only a more affordable and flexible alternative to traditional health insurance, but also an opportunity to help out a faithful community of fellow members.
