When researching the challenges of healthcare in America today, experts often point to a system that is largely reactive. In this system, providers are motivated to perform as many medical procedures and prescribe as many medications as possible, instead of trying to keep people healthy and out of the hospital1. Rather than preventing us from getting sick, this approach often makes us sicker.
In response to this, many patients and providers are moving toward a more holistic concept of healthcare. With the holistic model, healthcare encompasses the whole person to support emotional, mental, spiritual as well as physical wellbeing. With holistic healthcare, providers address not just the symptoms but the root causes of what makes us sick. Instead of reacting once people are already ill, holistic care takes a proactive and preventative approach that empowers people to stay healthy.
While most traditional health plans remain stuck in the current broken system of healthcare delivery, faith-based health sharing programs are paving the way toward holistic healthcare. Christian health sharing embraces preventative healthcare for the whole person, with annual wellness checkups and screenings not only for physical health but also for mental and behavioral health.
Faith-based heath sharing programs connect their members to a wealth of healthcare resources and providers to help manage mental health conditions like stress, anxiety and depression. They also help members change harmful lifestyle behaviors such as substance abuse and smoking, and create new healthy habits around nutrition, exercise, stress-reduction and more.
Christian health sharing also offers an openness to alternative medicine not found with many traditional health plans. According to research from the National Health Statistics Report, as many as one third of Americans use some form of alternative medicine, indicating a growing demand for this type of care2.
Sometimes referred to as complementary medicine, alternative medicine can include acupuncture, chiropractic care, naturopathy, herbal and nutritional therapies, and more. With a faith-based health share plan, members have the freedom to explore these alternative options as a supplement to their healthcare.
Christian health sharing programs give members more control and freedom in their healthcare. The best faith-based sharing plans provide access to dedicated care teams who consult with members to help proactively manage their health and chronic conditions. Many Christian health sharing programs also connect their members to easy-to-use tools and online portals for preventative healthcare, including wellness and habit trackers, mindfulness apps, reminders, tips and more that enable them to live healthier and happier.
Faith-based health sharing plans take holistic care even further, by helping their members maintain and improve their spiritual wellbeing. With a Christian health sharing program, you’re part of a supportive community of people who share similar values and look out for one another. You also have the freedom to practice your religious beliefs without being excluded or financially punished for it.
If you’re looking to explore a more holistic approach to whole-person care, then faith-based health sharing might be the right fit for you. Learn more here.