It's totally legal and there's a strong membership base to support it and similar programs. But it's likely not the most affordable health care option for most people. The ideal candidate for Medi-Share is in excellent health and also has a robust savings account to pay out of pocket for routine medical care.
Medishare Fees
When you apply and are approved for the Medishare program, you will be charged a one-time $120 fee. This is added to your first monthly premium. One-time $2 membership fee, also payable with your first monthly premium. $3 recurring monthly fee if you do not sign up for automated ACH payments each month.
Medi-Share does not exclude people for pre-existing conditions (similar to major medical plans), but they won't pay for any pre-existing conditions for the first 36 months.
It should be noted that Medishare is intended for unexpected medical bills that burden members. Examples include doctor's visits, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, prescriptions, maternity, well-child care, and adoption costs.
After praising Christian healthcare sharing ministries in general, calling most of them "very reliable," Mr. Ramsey singles out Medi-Share's "great reputation." He then points out correctly that Christian health insurance alternatives are not insurance and don't face the same regulations as insurance companies.
Doctor Network – Medi-Share has a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network of doctors. It's built on MultiPlan's PHCS network, which is the same company that manages networks for some of the major traditional insurance companies.
Health insurance premiums are tax-deductible. Medi-Share contributions are not. That said, medical expenses are still deductible, subject to a threshold based on a percentage of your adjusted gross income. ... You may be able to deduct the cost of reimbursing them for their Medi-Share monthly share.
Medi-Share membership will be cancelled if a Member does not deposit the Monthly Share for more than two months. The Cancellation Date will be the last day of the month for which the last Monthly Share was deposited. Only Eligible Medical Bills incurred on or before the Cancellation Date will be considered for sharing.
As part of your Medi-Share membership, you have 24/7 on-demand access to affordable, quality healthcare, as well as incredible savings on dental, vision and hearing services.
Samaritan is among what have been the three top players in the sharing ministries field. The oldest, founded in 1993, is the Medi-Share program of Melbourne, Fla., operated by Christian Care Ministry. The third is Christian Healthcare Ministries of Barberton, Ohio.
Pregnancy Care
Pregnancy expenses are eligible for sharing if your pregnancy occurs on or after the date of your marriage. ... Assuming you're married and pregnant, Medishare will allow up to $125,000 to be shared for a single pregnancy event include postpartum care and any complications.
No max-out-of-pocket limit – While Medi-Share covers most things you would expect a regular health plan to, it doesn't cover mental health, substance abuse counseling, and a few other areas. Remember, there is no coinsurance, so you're paying nothing for covered treatment after your deductible/AHP.
Four ministries attest that they meet the ACA exemption: Altrua HealthShare, Christian Healthcare Ministries, Medi-Share Christian Care Ministry, and Samaritan Ministries.
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