( Read more: Obamacare's big win on health-care exchanges) Those policies lead to lower costs for all members, Meggs said. The coverage doesn't include products of "un-Biblical lifestyles," such as contraception or substance rehab, or some preventive medicine, including colonoscopies and annual mammograms. Certain pre-existing conditions render applicants ineligible, while chronic issues such as obesity sometimes lead to acceptance into the program contingent on undergoing wellness counseling. A reference from a minister may also be requested. Here's how it works: To join Medi-Share, members must pledge their Christian faith and promise not to drink, take drugs or have sex outside of a traditional marriage. 31,1999, which gives something of a monopoly to Medi-Share and the two other qualifying organizations, Samaritan Ministries and Christian Healthcare Ministries. The exemption requires qualifying health-sharing ministries to have been in operation before Dec. About 150,000 people are members of medical-sharing ministries, and 60,000 of them belong to Medi-Share, according to Medi-Share President and CEO Tony Meggs. Since the Obamacare passed in the 2010, growth has ticked up to 15 percent as some Americans look to end-run the mandate. It's the same principle that allowed for the Amish to be exempted from the individual mandate-with the crucial difference that it's a lot more practical to join Medi-Share than it is to become Amish.įounded in 1993, Medi-Share historically grew at roughly 10 percent a year. Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat, and Republican Charles Grassley of Iowa, who fought to add the exemption to the law. It's there because of the work of then-Congressmen Tom Perriello, a Virginia Democrat and Sens. It's gotten little attention, but it's true: The individual mandate in the Affordable Care Act requires all Americans to have health insurance or face penalties, but members of medical-sharing ministries are exempt from the individual mandate that will be enforced beginning in 2015. ( Read more: Red states could beat blues in Obamacare sign-up) Medi-Share is a health-sharing ministry, which makes it exempt from the health reform laws." We get to pick our own doctors, and our share is almost 40 percent less than our old premium. "It isn't insurance it's a nationwide network of Christians who save money by sharing each other's medical bills. "Haven't you heard about Medi-Share?" a pitchwoman asks a friend complaining about insurance costs in a commercial for the plan.
You may click on the following links to view the entire details.Most interesting from Coleman, who lists Medi-Share as a sponsor, was this: "My family is immune to #ObamaCare and we are saving money! Join us with #MediShare."Įach tweet contained a link to a Melbourne, Fla.-based nonprofit called Medi-Share, which bills itself as "Christian Care Medical Sharing." With family plans that start as low as $282 a month, this faith-based cooperative approach to sharing medical expenses promises big savings over traditional health insurance. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government entity or agency.īy using this site, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. We encourage you to shop around and explore all of your options. Descriptions are for informational purposes only and subject to change. Possible options that may be offered include, but are not limited to, ACA-Qualified Plans, Medicare Plans, Short Term Plans, Christian/Health Sharing Plans, and Fixed Indemnity Plans.
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