I’m hearing many stories of health insurance costs skyrocketing with the implementation of Obamacare, so I thought I’d share our experience with the hopes that it would help someone.
About a year ago, I started shopping around for health insurance alternatives. The Blue Cross/Blue Shield individual policy I had was going up in price every year. Additionally, although it paid for preventative care and office visits (with a $40 deductible), I felt that the coverage for emergency room or hospital visits was poor. As there was no way that I could cover my portion of the costs for a hospitalization of just a few days, the policy that I couldn’t really afford did not make me feel secure or protected!
Then, I discovered Samaritan Ministries. (I also looked into two other Christian health care sharing programs, but Samaritan Ministries seemed to meet my needs best.) It’s actually not health insurance; it’s a health sharing organization. Each month I make my $230 (single parent rate) contribution directly to another family. I receive instructions from Samaritan Ministries about who to send the funds to, and what the medical need is. That way, I can even send along a card or note and can pray for the family’s need.
With Samaritan Ministries, preventative care and minor injuries or illnesses are not covered. But everything over $350 is! I no longer have to worry about how I would pay for a major illness. And the monthly savings over my former $600 health insurance easily pay for preventative care or other minor needs. Fortunately, we haven’t had any needs yet, so I can’t attest to how that end of it works, but I’ve heard nothing but positive reports from those that have had needs. I love the idea that when a family member gets sick or has an accident, many people will be praying for them!
Health Care Sharing ministries ARE legal under the new “Affordable Health Care Act” legislation, so even though it’s not exactly insurance, members are not subject to fines.
If you decide to join Samaritan Ministries, please mention my name as a referral (Deborah Lott), so I will get credit. Thanks!
I'm so glad you found something that works for your family! As a parent of a special needs child, my family can't subscribe to this but I am happy it works for you!
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