Medi-Share is not insurance; it’s a health care sharing ministry that provides a faith-based approach to healthcare cost-sharing among its members.
In this article, we’ll delve into what Medi-Share is, how it works, eligibility requirements, coverage details, pros and cons, and considerations for individuals considering this alternative to traditional health insurance.
What is Medi-Share?
Medi-Share is a healthcare cost-sharing program operated by Christian Care Ministry, a non-profit organization founded in 1993. It is not health insurance but rather a community-based approach where members share each other’s medical expenses according to the principles of Christian faith and mutual support.
How Does Medi-Share Work?
Membership: To join Medi-Share, individuals must agree to certain lifestyle standards based on Christian beliefs, including abstaining from tobacco and illegal drugs, living a healthy lifestyle, and attending church regularly.
Monthly Share: Members contribute a monthly “share” amount based on factors such as age, family size, and chosen plan options. These shares are pooled together to cover eligible medical expenses for other members.
Sharing Eligibility: When a member incurs a medical expense, they submit the bill to Medi-Share for review. Eligible expenses are shared among members according to the program guidelines.
Annual Household Portion: Each member has an annual household portion (similar to a deductible) that they are responsible for before sharing begins. This amount varies depending on the chosen plan.
Sharing Limits: Medi-Share has sharing limits for specific medical services and conditions. Pre-existing conditions may have waiting periods before eligibility for sharing.
Provider Network: Members have the flexibility to choose their healthcare providers, but using providers within the program’s preferred network may result in higher cost-sharing savings.
Eligibility Requirements for Medi-Share
To be eligible for Medi-Share membership, individuals must meet the following criteria:
Be a professing Christian and agree to live by Christian principles.
Abstain from tobacco and illegal drugs.
Live a healthy lifestyle as defined by the program guidelines.
Attend church regularly and provide evidence of church attendance.
Medi-Share is not available in all states, and eligibility may vary based on state regulations and program guidelines.
Coverage Details and Services Covered by Medi-Share
Medi-Share covers a wide range of healthcare services, including:
Hospitalization: Inpatient hospital stays for surgeries, treatments, and medical procedures.
Doctor Visits: Outpatient services, primary care visits, specialist consultations, and preventive care.
Emergency Care: Emergency room visits, urgent care services, and ambulance transportation.
Prescription Medications: Certain prescription drugs are eligible for cost-sharing.
Lab Tests and Diagnostic Services: Blood tests, imaging studies, and diagnostic procedures.
Maternity and Newborn Care: Prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum services for eligible pregnancies.
Mental Health Services: Counseling, therapy, and treatment for mental health conditions.
Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation services, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
It’s important to note that not all healthcare services are eligible for sharing, and Medi-Share has guidelines and limitations on certain medical procedures, pre-existing conditions, and lifestyle-related issues.
Pros and Cons of Medi-Share
Pros:
Cost Savings: Medi-Share can be more affordable than traditional health insurance plans, especially for healthy individuals and families.
Faith-Based Community: Members appreciate the sense of community, shared values, and faith-based approach to healthcare.
Flexibility: Members have flexibility in choosing healthcare providers and managing their healthcare costs.
Coverage Options: Medi-Share offers various plan options with different cost-sharing levels and features to meet individual needs.
Cons:
Eligibility Requirements: Membership is restricted to individuals who meet specific lifestyle and faith-based criteria.
Limited Coverage: Not all healthcare services are eligible for sharing, and there are sharing limits for certain medical conditions and treatments.
Pre-Existing Conditions: Some pre-existing conditions may have waiting periods before eligibility for sharing.
State Availability: Medi-Share is not available in all states, and eligibility may vary based on state regulations.
Not Insurance: It’s essential to understand that Medi-Share is not health insurance and does not offer the same protections and benefits as traditional insurance plans.
Considerations for Choosing Medi-Share
Faith and Lifestyle: Consider your faith beliefs, lifestyle choices, and willingness to adhere to the program’s guidelines and requirements.
Healthcare Needs: Assess your healthcare needs, including pre-existing conditions, prescription medications, and anticipated medical expenses, to determine if Medi-Share is a suitable option.
State Availability: Check if Medi-Share is available in your state and review state-specific eligibility requirements and regulations.
Cost Comparison: Compare the cost of Medi-Share plans with traditional health insurance plans, including premiums, deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Coverage Limitations: Understand the coverage limitations, sharing guidelines, and exclusions of Medi-Share to ensure it meets your healthcare needs and expectations.
Alternative Options: Explore other healthcare coverage options, such as employer-sponsored insurance, government programs, or private health insurance plans, to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Medi-Share offers a unique approach to healthcare cost-sharing based on Christian principles, community support, and mutual assistance among its members. While it provides an alternative to traditional health insurance for eligible individuals, it’s important to carefully consider eligibility requirements, coverage limitations, cost-sharing guidelines, and state availability before choosing Medi-Share as a healthcare solution. By understanding how Medi-Share works, assessing individual healthcare needs, and weighing the pros and cons, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage and financial well-being.