Medishare: A New Way To Pay Hospitals

Medi-Share is a healthcare sharing program where members voluntarily share each other's medical expenses in accordance with member-voted guidelines. It is not insurance and is instead a health care sharing ministry run by a non-profit Christian organization. Members do not pay monthly premiums but contribute a monthly share amount that goes directly towards sharing in other members' eligible medical needs. This includes hospital stays, doctor's visits, prescription drugs, and emergency room visits. Members present their ID cards to their service providers, and their bills are then sent to Medi-Share for review and potential discounts. This program offers a trusted, affordable Christian health care solution and has shared over $8 billion in medical costs since 1993.

Members pay a $35 provider fee per hospital visit

Medi-Share is a health care sharing ministry of Christian Care Ministry, Inc ("CCM"), a non-profit organisation. It is not insurance and is not regulated as insurance. Members voluntarily share each other's medical expenses in accordance with guidelines adopted and administered by CCM.

The fee is not a charitable donation, but a cost-saving measure for members. Members vote on the different guidelines that govern what the program covers and how well it runs. The program is based on biblical principles, including the idea of a sense of community, which includes prayers for the sick and needy.

It is important to note that Medi-Share is not insurance and does not qualify for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). As a result, many hospitals may refuse treatment and members may need to pay out of pocket.

Members are entitled to up to 6 months of prescription drugs per visit

Medi-Share is a health care sharing ministry of Christian Care Ministry, Inc ("CCM") that is based on biblical principles. Members voluntarily share each other's medical expenses in accordance with guidelines adopted by the members and administered by CCM. Members contribute a monthly "share amount" that is matched with eligible medical bills of other members. This means that members are aware of whose bills they are paying.

While Medi-Share is not insurance and is not regulated as insurance, members are entitled to up to six months of prescription drugs per visit. Prescription drugs for treating an eligible medical condition must be paid out of pocket first, but these out-of-pocket payments are eligible for reimbursement. Prescription reimbursement forms can be found in the Member Center. Prescriptions are eligible for up to six months of treatment for each medical-specific condition over the member's lifetime. Eligible prescription expenses are applied toward the Annual Household Portion (AHP) once they are sent in.

It is important to note that non-prescription over-the-counter medicines and alternative or folk remedies are not covered. Additionally, members must indicate that they are married upon application or when changing their AHP level for maternity to be eligible for sharing.

Members must contribute a monthly 'share amount' based on individual factors

Medi-Share is a healthcare sharing program where members voluntarily share each other's medical expenses. It is run by a non-profit Christian organization, Christian Care Ministry, and is not considered insurance. Members do not pay a monthly premium but contribute a monthly "share amount" based on individual factors. These factors include health criteria such as blood pressure, BMI, and weight/waist measurements. Members who meet certain health criteria may qualify for a discount on their monthly share amount through the health incentive.

The monthly share amount is deposited into an individual sharing account, and the funds are matched with another member's account to share eligible bills. Medi-Share members are exempt from the individual mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This means that membership in Medi-Share satisfies the requirement to have health insurance in certain states.

When a member incurs medical expenses, they present their member ID card to the service provider. If the provider is part of the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network, they may offer a discount on the bill. The bill is then sent to Medi-Share for review and determination of eligibility for sharing. If the member has met their Annual Household Portion (AHP), the bill is approved for sharing, and payment is made directly to the provider from the member's sharing account.

It is important to note that Medi-Share's member-voted sharing guidelines are based on biblical principles and do not cover costs associated with behaviours deemed unbiblical, such as substance abuse treatments or injuries from reckless behaviour. Additionally, Medi-Share does not cover elective procedures that are not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgeries.

Medi-Share is not insurance, but a healthcare sharing program

Medi-Share is a healthcare sharing program that is run by a non-profit Christian organization called Christian Care Ministry, Inc. ("CCM"). It is not insurance and is not regulated as insurance. Medi-Share members voluntarily share each other's medical expenses in accordance with guidelines adopted by the members and administered by CCM. These guidelines are based on biblical principles and voted on by the members.

The nature of medical expenses shared by Medi-Share ranges from doctor visits, limited preventive care, hospital stays, certain surgeries, and prescription drugs. However, it is important to note that Medi-Share does not cover costs associated with behaviors that are deemed "unbiblical" by the member guidelines, such as substance abuse treatments or injuries from reckless behavior.

Medi-Share members deposit their monthly share amounts, or "share gifts", into Household sharing accounts. These accounts are then used to send funds directly to other members' medical providers to pay for their eligible medical bills. There is no pooling of funds as practiced by insurance groups. Medi-Share has a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network of doctors built on MultiPlan's PHCS network, which is the same company that manages networks for major traditional insurance companies.

Medi-Share is often used as an alternative to traditional health insurance, but it is important to note that it has limitations and risks. For example, there is no guarantee of payment for medical costs, and members must depend on the generosity of others to contribute to their medical expenses. Additionally, Medi-Share may not cover certain medical conditions or treatments, and it does not cover mental health or substance abuse counseling.

Members can choose from a network of over 4,400 hospitals

Medi-Share is a faith-based community of over 350,000 members who voluntarily share each other's medical expenses. It is a nonprofit health care sharing ministry of Christian Care Ministry, Inc ("CCM"). It is important to note that Medi-Share is not insurance and is not regulated as insurance. Neither CCM nor Medi-Share members assume any legal obligation to share in the payment of another member's medical expenses.

Medi-Share members contribute monthly shares, which are then used to pay for eligible medical expenses incurred by other members. Members can choose from a network of over 4,400 hospitals and other healthcare providers who have agreed to provide services at reduced costs to in-network patients. This network includes the two largest national proprietary PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) networks in the United States: PHCS (Private Healthcare Systems) and First Health Networks.

Being part of a PPO network means that Medi-Share members benefit from pre-negotiated discounted rates when seeing a PHCS provider. Members present their ID card, which includes details for the provider regarding their provider fee, pre-notification requirements, and how to submit their bills for sharing. The bill is then sent to Medi-Share, where discounts are negotiated, and the services provided are reviewed to determine if the bill is eligible for sharing. After the Annual Household Portion (AHP)—the annual amount a family is responsible for paying towards their medical bills before their medical costs become eligible for sharing—has been met, and if the bill is eligible, it is approved for sharing.

While members are free to see any provider of their choice, going out-of-network may lead to higher costs or longer wait times for bill sharing. It is also important to note that many hospitals will not deal with Medi-Share, even if they are in the network, and as a result, members may need to pay out of pocket.

Frequently asked questions