The cost of health insurance is totally out of control! But if you need health insurance and Obamacare is too expensive, what do you do? You can’t waste time waiting on an Obamacare repeal that may never happen. And if you’re morally or ideologically opposed to some of the Obamacare requirements, how do you find something else that better aligns with your values? Fortunately, there is an affordable alternative to health insurance called MediShare.
Medi-Share is different (and much cheaper) than traditional insurance found during open enrollment on the Obamacare exchanges. In fact, it’s so affordable that most families save 30-50% on healthcare costs using Medi-Share over traditional insurance.
2017 Medi-Share Review
In this Medi-Share review I’ll show you everything you need to know about it, including:
- How Medi-Share is different than traditional insurance.
- The advantages and disadvantages of Medi-Share over Obamacare.
- Costs vs. traditional insurance.
- Testimonials from actual customers.
- How to join Medi-Share.
What is Medi-Share?
Medi-Share is extremely different from Obamacare and other traditional health insurance. It’s actually a non-profit health sharing ministry.
The basic concept of a health sharing ministry is that members share health care costs among themselves. It’s a concept modeled after the early church in the Book of Acts, where people were of one heart and mind, sharing what they had.
Here’s a short description from the MediShare site:
“Medi-Share is a healthcare sharing ministry founded on the belief that there is a BETTER way… a Biblical way, to take care of your healthcare. A way that focuses on people, NOT profit. A way that inspires you to live a healthier lifestyle so you can fulfill the plan God has for you. We are passionate about saving you money so you can use those funds to support your family and further kingdom work.”
How Does MediShare Work?
Each month, you pay a monthly share. Think of it like the monthly premium you pay when you have traditional insurance. You pay your monthly share into an account at America’s Christian Credit Union set up specifically for this purpose.
Through MediShare, your monthly share is matched with another member’s medical bills that need to be paid. You know whose bills you are paying, and encouraged to pray for them as well.
If you have a healthcare expense that needs to be paid, other members cover those costs with their monthly share while also praying for you.
Choose Your Own Doctors
You can choose your own doctors and hospitals if you like. However, you receive significant discounts on your care if you choose providers within MediShare’s network of doctors and hospitals.
Who is Medi-Share For?
Medi-Share is primarily for Christians and others who share a defined set of values. In fact, you will be required to agree to certain guidelines when you sign up. You must agree to their statement of faith, and live your life in accordance with a few simple guidelines:
- No use of tobacco or illegal drugs.
- You cannot abuse legal drugs.
- You cannot have sex outside of traditional Christian marriage.
As you can see, these guidelines help eliminate much of the cost that comes with treating lifestyle related illnesses that traditional insurance must cover. The result is lowered costs for you!
These guidelines are also a great selling point for those that don’t agree with Affordable Care Act guidelines requiring coverage for things that conflict with Christian beliefs.
You can rest assured your money never pays for abortions or other procedures that Christian faith would deem as immoral.
Individuals and Families
Whether you are young and single or have a large family, MediShare has many options to choose from. When you sign up, you will choose your Annual Household Portion (AHP- think of it like an annual deductible), which ranges from $500 to $10,000 per year.
Once you meet your AHP for the year, then your eligible bills will be published for sharing.
You can also qualify for up to 20% savings on your monthly share if you meet Health Incentive qualifications as to blood pressure, waist size, and BMI.
Seniors
Senior Assist is the MediShare program for seniors who have Medicare parts A and B. Medi-Share members will share the portion of your eligible medical bills that Medicare allows but does not pay completely, including:
- copayments
- deductibles
- hospitalization
- skilled nursing facility care
- out of country urgent care
Medi-Share Groups
MediShare also has a group plan specifically geared toward churches and Christian owned businesses. It’s a wonderful alternative for those concerned about the high costs and ethical dilemmas of traditional insurance. Medi-Share Groups is a proven, affordable, Biblical alternative.
Is MediShare a Good Alternative to Obamacare?
If you’re willing to live by the guidelines mentioned above, Medi-Share is a solid alternative to Obamacare (aka the Affordable Care Act).
- Health care sharing ministries aren’t subject to the ACA mandate to purchase insurance. You won’t have to pay a fine or penalty at tax time if you are a member of MediShare.
- It’s good for your conscience. You know your money is going to help other Christians instead of funding questionable life choices of people who don’t share your beliefs.
- It’s a non-profit. You can rest assured your money will never be wasted by the government or a for-profit company.
- Generally, Medi-Share is much cheaper than traditional insurance.
Read more at MediShare- The Affordable Christian Alternative to Obamacare.
