Christian Health Insurance
At a time when health insurance comes with high costs, limited coverage and denials, Christians have the option to join health coverage plans for believers living according to the Word.
More like a cooperative than big industry health insurance, Christian health insurance companies offer affordable plans and/or shares to faithful investors. These health insurance programs are ideal for pastors, the self-employed, the unemployed, or any Christian who is not able to afford another plan. Moreover, Christian insurance plans are a way for the faithful help each other in an extended community.
Christian health insurance programs are founded on Biblical principles, in particular community care. By contributing monthly shares, members cover the costs of one another’s medical expenses. Christian Healthcare Ministries, one of the bigger companies, claims that in 15 years its members have shared $450 million with each other. They offer no annual or joining fee, no waiting period after an accident, and no dropping. Maternity coverage is emphasized.
The belief behind Christian health insurance programs is that Jesus Christ is the ultimate provider. Buying a share in a plan means members are not just receiving coverage money, but they are receiving communal support as well. Samaritan Ministries claims that members pray for one another to send spiritual healing as well as physical healing. Health coverage is essentially second to spiritual coverage; in fact, Samaritan Ministries claims that one reason its shares are low is because of the quick healing power proven by prayer.
In order to join, applicants must be active and upright Christians. Applicants must live according to Biblical principles, which means no tobacco or drug use, limited to no alcohol use, no forbidden sexual activity, an agreement with the belief in Jesus Christ’s saving power, and church attendance as much as health permits. By sharing in a value-laden system, Christians see their investments going to people abiding by the same moral standards. For instance, treatments for pregnancy out of wedlock or sexually transmitted diseases may not be covered.
At Samaritan Ministries, the system works like this: when a claim is filed, the company sends out information to its members about where to address their checks. Rather than distributing money from one central location, individuals help one another more personally. The person who files the claim will receive a letter listing from whom to expect checks.
Although they act as insurance providers, Christian health plans are typically not considered insurance. Their questionable status has even been challenged by some states, barring Christian health plans from operating. Instead of insurance companies, Christian health plans see themselves as ministries.
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