Health cost sharing has grown in popularity over the last few decades, especially among Christians looking for an alternative to traditional health insurance. Because of this, there are often misunderstandings about what it is and how it works.

At Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), we prioritize transparency about who we are and how we operate. Below, we’re tackling some of the most common myths we hear about health cost sharing to set the record straight.

Many don’t really know how health cost sharing works—creating suspicion about the approach in general. Anyone enrolling in CHM needs to fully understand our sharing process and requirements so they’re empowered throughout any bill submissions.

Since 1981, Christian Healthcare Ministries has satisfied 100% of all eligible medical bills. CHM follows clear, written Guidelines that define what kind of medical bills are qualified for sharing. Any bill that meets these requirements will be shared after a member’s Personal Responsibility (PR) amount has been met.

Our Guidelines are available before joining so you can determine if CHM is the right fit for your needs. These rules exist to protect our members and steward the ministry’s resources responsibly. Members can also reach out to CHM directly with questions regarding their bill submissions.

Every month, members contribute a fixed amount to the ministry that is used to satisfy the health expenses of fellow Christians. Reimbursing eligible bills has been and continues to be a time-honored tradition for over 40 years at CHM.

Myth 2: “Health cost sharing ministries are unreliable”

This myth is often spread by people who have been misled or hurt by disreputable health cost sharing organizations. Before joining any health insurance alternative, it’s always best to research the company thoroughly to make a wise decision.

CHM is the nation’s first and longest-serving health cost sharing ministry. Below are some of the ways we’ve established accountability and transparency as a ministry:

• Third-party independent accreditation through Demotech
• Better Business accredited charity since 2013
• Nationally endorsed by The Ramsey Show
• Yearly audits through an independent accounting firm

Likewise, our CHM Gold, CHM Silver, CHM Bronze, and CHM SeniorShare programs are also designed to be transparent and understandable. Things like monthly contributions, PR amounts, and sharing limits are all disclosed up front before joining.

Because many health cost sharing organizations abide by faith-based rules and ethics, they’ve often been misjudged by skeptics and critics alike. While thoroughly Christian, CHM does not belong to a specific denomination, church, or tradition that informs our rules for sharing.

Myth 4: “Health cost sharing only works for the young and healthy”

CHM welcomes members of all ages and health histories. While pre-existing conditions are handled differently than new medical issues, CHM offers helpful options for those in need. CHM Gold includes a scheduled sharing option for maintained pre-existing conditions, and CHM Give provides a way for members to receive support for eligible needs through voluntary donations from fellow members.

Programs like CHM SeniorShare are specifically designed for members age 65 and older to work alongside Medicare. Because Medicare only pays for 80% of medical bill costs, SeniorShare takes care of the remaining 20%; saving retirees lots of money in the long run.

For larger or more complex medical needs, CHM has a Complete Surgical Care Solution which helps members find quality surgeons, secure major discounts, and arrange any needed travel accommodations.

CHM also offers a Cancer Care Solution. It’s designed to simplify the treatment process, offer spiritual encouragement, save money, and get you the right care with the right provider. This makes health cost sharing an option not just for the young or those with a clean bill of health.

Myth 5: “Health cost sharing ministries can’t help you with prescriptions”

CHM shares eligible, incident-related prescription medications according to program Guidelines. While the initial eligible 90-day prescription supply can be shared for, members also have access to CHM’s Prescription Care Solution after the first 90 days. This connects members to different tools to help find coupons, generic brands, and the cheapest prices near you.

Additionally, members have access to our Virtual Care Solution through HealthTap, making it easier to receive primary care and get a prescription for many common needs without an in-person appointment.

CHM’s financial and spiritual support isn’t a myth

While lots of misinformation about health cost sharing exists, there are real reasons why so many Christians trust it as a viable solution. For singles, families, and retirees, CHM’s affordable programs are a great alternative to health insurance. If you want to see how our ministry works practically for believers like you, check out our member stories or join CHM today!

Hospitals often present self-pay as straightforward. You get care, you receive a bill, and you pay it. But if you’ve ever opened a hospital bill and felt that overwhelm set in, you know it’s rarely that simple.

For many families—especially moms already juggling what seems like a million things—self-pay can feel confusing and overwhelming. Prices aren’t clear. Discounts aren’t advertised. And no one explains your options unless you know exactly who and what to ask. That confusion can turn a stressful health moment into a long season of financial strain.

Here’s what hospitals often don’t explain—and what you should know before assuming that first bill is final.

Many people assume self-pay only applies if you don’t have insurance. In reality, self-pay simply means you are responsible for the bill.

That can include people who:

• Don’t have insurance
• Are getting care that isn’t covered
• Choose to pay cash or pay out of pocket instead of submitting a claim

Hospitals typically start with a chargemaster price. This is the internal list of charges for services ranging from lab work to imaging and procedures. These prices are often much higher than what most people end up paying, but they’re frequently the first numbers self-pay patients see.

It’s important to understand that those prices are usually a starting point, not the final amount you can expect to pay.

If you’ve ever wondered why hospital bills are so expensive, you’re not alone.

Healthcare pricing can vary widely depending on where you receive care, how services are billed, and how you pay. Research shows that the same test or medical procedure can cost very different amounts—even within the same community.

Although hospitals are now required to post pricing information, it can be challenging to find. You may still need to call or ask for a written estimate to get a clearer picture of what you may owe.

Financial assistance and charity care

Many hospitals often don’t specifically promote that financial assistance is available, even though it usually is.

Nonprofit hospitals are required to offer financial assistance programs—sometimes called charity care—as part of their tax-exempt status. These programs can help reduce medical bills for patients who meet specific income guidelines.

Hospitals must have written policies explaining:

• Who qualifies
• What help is available
• How to apply

While these programs aren’t always offered initially, you certainly have the right to ask about them—especially when a bill feels unmanageable.

Another important protection for self-pay patients is the Good Faith Estimate.

When you schedule non-emergency care in advance, providers are generally required to provide self-pay patients with a written estimate of expected charges. This estimate should reflect the planned care and include related services when possible.

If the final bill is much higher than the estimate, you may have the right to question or dispute those charges. Simply knowing you can request an estimate puts you in a stronger position before care begins.

These questions don’t make you difficult. They help you understand your options and take an active role in managing healthcare costs.

Always request an itemized bill

One of the simplest ways to review a hospital bill is to ask for an itemized statement.

Itemized bills break down charges line by line, making it easier to spot errors such as duplicate charges, services you didn’t receive, or charges that don’t match your care. If something doesn’t look right, asking questions can often lead to corrections.

You can compare prices for non-emergency care

For non-emergency services, you may have more choices than you realize.

Imaging, lab work, physical therapy, and some outpatient procedures can vary widely in cost. Calling ahead to ask about self-pay pricing or cash pay discounts can help you make more informed decisions.

A few phone calls won’t take much time, but they can save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.

What happens if you can’t pay a hospital bill?

If you’re worried about what happens if you can’t pay a hospital bill, here’s some reassurance: most hospitals would rather work with patients than send bills to collections.

Many facilities offer payment plans, prompt-payment options, or financial assistance. Reaching out early and asking questions often leads to a better outcome.

A different way to handle healthcare costs

For those seeking an alternative to traditional insurance, Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) offers a different approach.

CHM is a faith-based health cost sharing ministry where members voluntarily share one another’s eligible medical bills. Members are considered self-pay patients, which may allow them to ask about self-pay pricing and available options when receiving care.

CHM also has staff available to help members understand medical bills, explore options, and navigate next steps. Since 1981, CHM members have shared nearly $13 billion in eligible medical bills.

When support and discounts make a difference

One couple joined Christian Health Care Ministries (CHM) shortly before learning they were expecting triplets. Their pregnancy, delivery, and extended NICU stay resulted in nearly $1 million in hospital charges. By securing self-pay pricing and provider discounts, the total eligible bills were reduced to $600,000—a savings of roughly $400,000 before bill sharing even began.

With guidance and support from CHM throughout the billing process, the family saw firsthand that asking questions and pursuing available discounts can significantly reduce even the largest hospital bills.

A more hopeful way to look at the bill

What hospitals often don’t explain is that the first bill you receive isn’t always the final bill.

Prices can vary. Financial assistance may be available. Self-pay patients have the right to estimates and clearer information. Knowing this can turn that next medical bill in the mail into a starting point instead of a dead end.

Asking questions isn’t being difficult. It’s being informed. Informed patients are better equipped to manage both their health and their finances.

If you’re exploring ways to manage healthcare costs while staying rooted in faith and community, learning more about Christian Healthcare Ministries may be a helpful next step. CHM exists to support members with clarity, compassion, and shared responsibility.

References

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. No Surprises: Understand your rights against surprise medical bills. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/no-surprises-understand-your-rights-against-surprise-medical-bills
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. What is a good faith estimate?
  https://www.cms.gov/medical-bill-rights/help/guides/good-faith-estimate
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. What is a surprise medical bill, and what should I know about the No Surprises Act?https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-surprise-medical-bill-and-what-should-i-know-about-the-no-surprises-act-en-2123/
• Jiang, J. X., Dunn, A., McLaughlin, C. G., & White, C. Comparison of U.S. hospital cash prices and commercial negotiated prices for shoppable services. JAMA Network Open. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.40526
• Kaiser Family Foundation. Hospital charity care: How it works and why it matters. https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/hospital-charity-care-how-it-works-and-why-it-matters/

Has this happened to you? A large medical bill from the hospital shows up in the mail. You call the hospital and discover that your visit last month fell outside of your health insurance coverage. The entire cost now falls on you.  

As a college student with limited income, this is where panic might start creeping in. Paying out-of-pocket on a shoestring budget is a major burden—add that on top of school costs, rent, groceries, and gas.  

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to face medical bills alone. There are practical steps you can take to reduce or even eliminate what you owe. Plus, Christians have an affordable solution for sharing medical costs through CHM. 

The first and most important step after receiving your initial bill is requesting an itemized bill. The itemized bill is a detailed list of every service, test, or medication charged for. Instead of a vague consolidated bill or explanation of benefits, this breaks down your exact costs line by line. 

Why is this essential? Medical billing errors are extremely common. Studies show that up to 80% of hospital bills contain mistakes. This is due to the complex nature of medical billing that creates countless opportunities for error.  

When looking over your itemized bill, you might find charges for services you didn’t receive, duplicate fees, or incorrect codes. Carefully reviewing this lets you challenge unnecessary or inflated charges before paying. Address any issues with the billing department and then make sure they send you a corrected itemized bill.  

If your bill is accurate but still higher than you can afford, ask about payment plan options. Many urgent care centers and hospitals allow patients to split costs into smaller, manageable monthly payments or installment plans. 

Your hospital may also have charity care programs. These provide free or reduced-cost care for patients who meet certain income requirements. Students typically qualify for these and can apply for them after receiving a bill.  

A charity care program may involve filling out a form, providing proof of your income level, and submitting it to the hospital. There’s often a very generous window of time (over six months) to apply, so there’s no need to rush during a busy semester. 

Another tip: it’s often easier to get discounts if you offer to pay the bill the same day. This is great leverage to show the billing department that you’re serious about paying. Persistence here can secure big savings to make your final bill much less burdensome. 

Plan ahead for expensive medical bills with CHM 

The best way to handle big medical bills is to prevent them from becoming a crisis in the first place. That’s where Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) can help. 

CHM is the original health cost-sharing ministry. Unlike traditional insurance, CHM operates on a biblical model of Christians helping Christians with health expenses.  

Members contribute a set monthly amount, and those funds are used to share each other’s eligible medical bills. For students, young adults, families, or seniors, CHM offers: 

• Affordable monthly contributions starting at under $120 per unit. 
• Flexibility to choose your own certified doctors and hospitals—no restrictive provider networks. 
• A supportive Christian community that not only helps financially but also prays with and for you. 

Unlike health insurance, we provide transparency, compassion, and flexibility. After becoming a CHM member, your future bills are shared by other believers. 

To summarize what we’ve covered, here’s a simple checklist you can follow when a medical billing issue arises. 

• Request an itemized bill and review it for errors. 
• Challenge mistakes and ask for corrections. 
• Ask about payment plans at urgent care centers and hospitals. 
• Explore charity care programs for financial relief if you qualify. 
• Seek discounts and ask for help from student resources or billing advocates. 

CHM, your health insurance alternative 

Getting a surprise bill is stressful, but it doesn’t mean going broke. Knowing your options and exploring discounts allows you to approach medical care with confidence. 

Following the guidelines, CHM members get medical care knowing that costs will be shared with other believers. If you’re ready to find an affordable, faith-based alternative to health insurance, join CHM today!  

If you have health insurance, you’re likely aware that the industry needs major repair. Insurance companies often put profits over people, and the health insurance marketplace has seen consistent price gouging for years. Discover the biggest downsides of health insurance plans and a biblical alternative that’s served Christians for over 40 years so you can make the decision that’s right for you. 

Health insurance companies place heavy burdens on customers. Millions of Americans feel forced to buy an expensive plan to avoid unnecessary risk. This allows the health insurance industry to thrive on a lopsided business model. 

High Costs

The biggest issue people face with health insurance is cost. Rising premiums and deductibles over the past few years make the idea of “affordable health insurance” a contradiction. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average lowest-cost bronze premium in the United States is $381. That’s not including a spouse or any dependents!  

As prices continue to skyrocket, singles and families across the nation get priced out of the market completely. Many might forgo health insurance and then face crippling debt after a serious medical event. 

Network Restrictions

A second problem is network restrictions. Networks consist of doctors and hospitals (also known as “providers”) that health insurance companies contract with. These contracts allow members to receive discounted services from “in-network” providers.  

While members can still see providers outside of their network, they are likely not covered and will incur “out-of-network” fees. By their nature, networks limit the providers you can pick. This could mean not getting the preferred care that’s best for you or your family. 

Open Enrollment

Additionally, health insurance companies have an open enrollment period every year. This window allows new members to join, change an existing plan, or cancel their plan. Open enrollment typically begins on November 1^st and ends January 1^st of the following year, but your employer can also determine these dates.  

If you miss this window, you won’t be able to join or make any changes until the next open enrollment period, or if you have a qualifying event (moving, having a baby, getting married, or losing previous insurance). This short window often pressures people to lock into a year-long, expensive contract. 

Adding to those issues is the volatility of the online marketplace for health insurance. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was created in 2010 to offer affordable health insurance plans to Americans with incomes above 100% – 400% of the Federal Poverty Line. Anyone earning enough to qualify for an ACA plan might experience big changes next year: 

• Some of the major health insurance companies are pulling out of the ACA in certain states, leaving millions without coverage. 
• Enhanced subsidies (or discounts) for ACA plans are at risk of expiring if Congress does not act in time. This would drastically jack up overall insurance costs for many in the marketplace, or disqualify them from the ACA altogether. 

These coming changes and pressures leave many in a vulnerable place. With costs continually on the rise and insurers leaving the ACA, there are fewer affordable options than before. 

However, a marketplace plan isn’t your only option—Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) is a health insurance alternative for believers. Started in 1981 as the original health cost-sharing ministry, CHM enables Christians to care for one another by sharing medical bills.  

CHM is not a health insurance company. As a non-profit, our mission is to fulfill the call of Galatians 6:2 to “bear one another’s burdens” and serve like the early church in Acts 2 and 4,  “who held all things in common.”  

Through voluntary payments, members share in each other’s eligible health expenses. Medical bills are submitted through CHM’s Member Portal, the costs are then satisfied by members’ monthly contributions, and a reimbursement check is mailed to you.  

Beyond financial care, CHM staff and members also pray for each other’s needs. Our model is spiritually focused and aims to support and encourage fellow believers enduring serious medical trials. 

For those new to the concept of cost-sharing, CHM offers key advantages as a health insurance alternative: 

• Four affordable program levels, starting at $150 per month. Our programs include CHM Gold, CHM Silver, CHM Bronze, and CHM SeniorShare. 
• No provider network restrictions—choose any certified doctor or hospital.  
• Solutions for prescription savings, maternity, cancer, surgery, virtual care, and more. 
• Eligibility aligned with biblical values through CHM Guidelines. 
• No open enrollment period—join anytime. 

While the current health insurance industry is broken, CHM offers Christians a completely different experience. Cost-sharing frees members from steep prices and restrictions by avoiding the health insurance model entirely. Ready to leave behind overpriced, restrictive health insurance? Use our free cost comparison tool or join CHM today and start experiencing an affordable, biblical alternative. 

Americans face increasing financial stress from costly health insurance. But did you know there’s a faith-based alternative? Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) helps believers save money by sharing the burden of medical bills with other like-minded Christians.

If you’re new to the concept of CHM’s health cost sharing ministry, you may be wondering if it’s biblical to share eligible health expenses through a Christian non-profit. This is a good question, and an important one! Here’s how the Bible informs everything CHM does as a ministry:

What does “burden” mean in the Bible?

CHM’s mission is to support others in bearing burdens. The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6:2 [ESV] that we are called to “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

The word “burden” has many applications but often implies a heavy load or difficult duty. For many people, that may look like chronic pain, illness, financial debt, a challenging marriage, or a stressful job.

Burdens have a spiritual aspect, too. In Matthew 11:28–30 [ESV], Jesus urges, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

The Gospel lifts the burden of the Law off our souls, awakening us to new life in Christ. Yet worldly cares still weigh us down. Many believers endure the gravity of suffering with a longing for renewal. With that in mind, CHM looks at burdens beyond the physical aspect—we also care for members spiritually in their hardest times.

CHM’s ministry isn’t built like a traditional health insurance company. What we do is a direct call from Jesus’ teachings and the example of early Christians.

But what does the Bible say about cost-sharing? To find out, we have to look at the second chapter of Acts. The early church in those days grew fast, while facing plenty of need.

Poverty challenged many members of the assembly, so fellow Christians stepped up in big ways to support each other.

In Acts 2:44-45 [ESV], Luke records, “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.”

This special moment in the history of the church showed what believers can accomplish through the power of the Holy Spirit. By working together and giving selflessly, the needs of others were met. CHM follows in that example by allowing Christians to support each other through voluntary giving.

Every CHM member contribution is used to satisfy other members’ medical bills. This allows our community to receive support for their eligible expenses on a regular basis.

In Matthew 25:35-36,40 [ESV], Jesus states, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me’…And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”

As Christians, we are part of a larger global church with many needs! CHM seeks to connect believers across the nation by enabling them to support each other through our ministry.

Why health cost sharing reflects God’s design

There are many ways for Christians to take care of each other. While the Bible doesn’t command a “cost-sharing” model for the Church, CHM exists to:

• Provide for the needs of fellow believers [Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35].
• Pray for the sick [James 5:15].
• Follow Christ’s example of compassionate care [Matthew 25:40].
• Support and encourage other Christians in trials [Galatians 6:2].

All of these elements are built into CHM’s mission from top to bottom. Our ministry offers relief from expensive health insurance by providing an alternative founded in the truths of the Bible.

By becoming a CHM member, you’re not just sharing medical bills—you’re joining a community of believers who are living out Galatians 6:2 by supporting each other in times of need. Ready to make a difference? Join CHM today!

Health insurance users, be prepared for what lies ahead. For uninsured patients, or those seeking a health insurance alternative, consider your options with CHM. 

Some of the largest insurance companies are starting to back out of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in certain markets. That means those enrollees, including any on a subsidized program through the federal health exchange, may have to look elsewhere once open enrollment begins in November of 2025. 

COVID-era subsidy enhancements could expire at the beginning of 2026. Leaving many ACA users with steeper monthly costs. The 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act also introduced federal work requirements for Medicaid recipients starting in 2027. 

In this article, we’ll dive into why this is happening, who it affects, and how CHM remains a viable alternative to insurance. 

ACA 2026 coming changes

With the cost of care surging, major health insurance companies will likely withdraw from the ACA (also known as Obamacare) to avoid revenue losses. These exits will impact millions of insurance users nationwide.  

Additionally, enhanced ACA subsidies enacted under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are set to expire on January 1, 2026. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reports that ARPA and IRA reduced monthly payments by 44% for many ACA users at the height of the pandemic. Without further legislative action by Congress, these boosted subsidies will fall back to pre-COVID prices—causing a spike in healthcare costs for millions of Americans. Without those subsidies, ACA plan premiums are predicted to increase in 2026 by an average of 75%.  

Middle-income users on an ACA program are at the greatest risk. According to kff.org, the IRA allowed eligibility for people making 400% above the poverty level to receive subsidies. Without these enhancements, they risk losing health insurance altogether. Even if they’re below 400%, a slight increase in pay renders them ineligible for any subsidies. This “subsidy cliff” would make traditional health insurance unaffordable for many families and singles—pricing them out of the market entirely.  

Despite unrest within the marketplace, Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) remains stable. As a health insurance alternative, CHM holds a federal exemption from the U.S. Patient Protection and ACA. This prevents economic volatility for our members compared to traditional options.

Many individuals with health insurance will lose their ACA plans 

Those who purchased their health insurance program through the ACA may need to start looking for a replacement soon. According to insurasales.com, some of the states affected by possible departures and budget cuts mentioned earlier include:

Without a low-cost replacement, many risk losing their health insurance altogether—paying more out of pocket than anticipated. This sudden change has many looking outside of traditional health insurance for support.  

Why Americans are seeking alternatives to Obamacare 

With subsidies shrinking, affordable care is becoming an exception to the rule.  

A major downside of Obamacare is the “coverage gap”, which affects around 1.5 million citizens. This happens in states that haven’t adopted the ACA’s 2014 Medicaid expansion. Residents of any “non-expansion” states could make too much or too little to qualify for either Medicaid or ACA subsidies—leaving them without any financial assistance.  

From KFF, below are all of the 10 non-expansion states: 

Compounding on the cost issue, health insurance companies are also notoriously difficult to work with. Using insurance means limited provider networks, restricting you from finding the best doctor or hospital for your needs. If you end up choosing an out-of-network provider, you’re penalized with fees.

This leaves countless insurance users exasperated and confused. But it doesn’t mean you have to keep paying into a broken system.

New Requirements for Medicaid

Starting January 1, 2027, many who receive Medicaid coverage will need to spend at least 80 hours a month working, volunteering, or be enrolled in school as “community engagement”. To maintain coverage, Medicaid recipients will have to verify each month that they have met this hourly requirement, which applies to all “able-bodied” Medicaid recipients ages 19–64, with certain exemptions:

• Having a child aged 13 or younger, or a child who is disabled.
• Being a caregiver for a disabled relative.
• Having a disability or health condition that prevents fulfilling the requirement.

Christian Healthcare Ministries: a non-insurance solution that works 

CHM’s Guidelines are also available before you join, allowing you to see which expenses are eligible for sharing. With CHM, there are no networks or in-state restrictions to deal with. Members have the flexibility to choose the certified providers they want without worrying about out-of-network fees. A far cry from traditional health insurance!

CHM gives you options for affordable care

Steep rates loom over the marketplace, but CHM offers a unique opportunity. Opting out of health insurance allows Christians to invest in the benefits of our cost-sharing ministry. There are lots of people who CHM can help, including:

• Individuals and families threatened by the subsidy cliff
• Non-expansion state residents in the coverage gap
• Older Millennials and Gen-Xers with growing medical needs
• Self-employed and small business owners
• Retirees and seniors

If you’re considering us as a faith-based health insurance alternative, our calculator tool shows what your monthly CHM membership contribution would cost.

CHM programs start at $115 a month, which is a third of the average lowest-cost bronze marketplace program. You can join at any time with no enrollment periods, even before November 1st!

Final thoughts: CHM vs. Insurance

As younger generations enter the health insurance market, there is a growing dissatisfaction with the system and a feeling of distrust toward insurance companies, according to mynewmarkets.com. Bureaucracy and a lack of transparency are inherent in the insurance industry; Gen Z, Millennials, and others want simpler and more approachable experiences to manage their healthcare costs.

For Christians with ACA health insurance, CHM may be a more transparent, flexible, and stable alternative for many reasons. Members of CHM aren’t affected by annual marketplace ups and downs. Members can go straight to their providers and pay for what they need with more discounts available. CHM also offers lower monthly costs than the competition—regardless of your income level.

With CHM, you get clear, simple, reliable, and affordable support for your eligible medical expenses. There’s no need to endure the annual cost increases and red tape of health insurance when you can help bless and be blessed by other believers. Stand up to insurance restrictions and join CHM today!

Disclaimer: This article is actively being monitored for changes and will be updated as new information becomes available. Please check back for updates.

Resources/References

• https://www.kff.org/status-of-state-medicaid-expansion-decisions/ KFF+15KFF+15advancingstates.org+15
• https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/poll-finding/kff-health-tracking-poll-aca-enhanced-subsidies/
• https://insurasales.com/news-story/32246/cvs-healths-aetna-to-exit-aca-marketplaces-in-17-states-by-2026
• https://www.mynewmarkets.com/articles/184323/whymillennialsandgenzjustarentlovinginsurancehoworganizationscanwinthenextgenerationsofinsuranceconsumers

Health insurance is expensive. Rising premiums and deductibles are a problem for countless families and singles. It also restricts the choice of doctors and hospitals available. Trying to understand the complicated rules of a policy adds even more stress to the mix. 

Most people don’t realize they have other options for healthcare. If insurance is a burden on you, self-pay could be a viable solution. 

Self-pay is when patients pay for medical charges without the help of insurance. This includes routine doctor visits, lab tests, and outpatient procedures. Instead of dealing with networks and approvals, self-pay patients work directly with healthcare providers—often at a reduced cost! More U.S. citizens are choosing self-pay than ever before.  

If you’re a long-time insurance user, this might make you uncomfortable. Going to the doctor without coverage feels like an unnecessary gamble. Before dismissing it, you should understand the clear advantages self-pay can offer. Read more to see why it could be a good pick for your healthcare! 

How Self-Pay Can Save You Thousands in Medical Costs 

Choosing self-pay can save you a lot of money. It seems counterintuitive, but many healthcare providers upcharge insurance companies. Patients then end up with hefty medical bills they struggle to pay. This is because of a few complicated reasons we’ll get into later.  

With self-pay, providers can offer substantial discounts when you don’t have health insurance. That discount can be the difference between owing hundreds or thousands of dollars!  

By not having insurance, you have no monthly premiums or deductibles to meet. You only pay for the care you need, and that’s it! You also don’t get hit with fees for seeing doctors outside a provider network. 

Get Clear, Upfront Pricing on Healthcare with Self-Pay

Because a patient isn’t using insurance, it encourages providers to be more transparent. Many insurance users deal with huge medical bills without understanding why. Healthcare providers charge insurance companies extra for a few reasons, including:

The remaining charges are then passed down to the patient. So, it can be much more expensive than if they hadn’t even used insurance in the first place. Self-pay patients can get lower rates because they’re seen as less risky. Providers are also more willing to give a sizeable discount if prompt payment is guaranteed.  

Patients who self-pay also have peace of mind by knowing where their money is going. Receiving an itemized bill with all the charges gives them a sense of control. They can dispute anything they don’t understand right away. Unlike insurance, they know exactly what they’re paying for. Having an extra layer of bureaucracy removed makes everything more understandable. Their payments go straight to medical bills with no strings attached. 

Choose Your Doctors with Self-Pay Flexibility 

Health insurance is restrictive by nature. Insurance companies have a provider network of specific doctors and hospitals. This can limit patients from being able to see the provider they trust. If you were to go with a doctor out-of-network, you’d get hit with fees from your insurance. 

Self-pay offers far greater freedom and control. Without a network to limit you, you can choose the doctor you prefer. You’re no longer restricted to a small pool of private practices and hospitals. That means you can search anywhere for a provider you trust, at a price you can afford. It’s like shopping and cost-comparing for any other good or service.  

There’s no need for pre-approvals or referrals either! Self-pay patients go to the doctor they need without any red tape. It gives you the authority to manage your healthcare decisions based on your needs.

Simplify Your Healthcare Experience by Paying Out of Pocket 

Another great benefit of self-pay is how streamlined the healthcare process is. Insurance works the exact opposite way. Are you ever confused about the summary of your charges vs. the actual bill? Or why something wasn’t covered when it should have been? Health insurance often leaves you on hold when issues arise.  

Disputing a charge is another major hassle. It makes users navigate complex systems and rules while advocating for themselves. This needless frustration happens all the time during the insurance claims process. 

Self-pay patients avoid this system altogether. They work with their doctors without any middlemen involved. There are no claims, approvals, negotiations, or finding a doctor in-network. Patients can search for healthcare providers and compare prices on their terms. Choosing self-pay bypasses the miscommunication between insurance companies and billing departments. There are no surprise bills, forms to fill out, or denials to fuss over. 

Opting out of insurance removes most of the friction we’ve grown so used to. It’s simple, direct care with no hoops to jump through. 

Is Self-Pay Right for Your Healthcare? Here’s Who It Helps the Most 

While self-pay isn’t right for everyone, it’s a great option for many Americans frustrated by the traditional system. Not dealing with bureaucracy and high premiums is an exciting prospect! Below are some groups that may find self-pay to be a good solution: 

If you’re one of the groups listed here, it could be time to drop your insurance. Before you do, ensure you have enough savings for a sudden medical emergency. Whether you have insurance or not, it’s wise to have money set aside for any health needs.

How CHM Supports Christians Who Choose Self-Pay for Their Healthcare 

More Americans are opting out of insurance—and for good reason. Self-pay frees you from the hang-ups that are now commonplace. Let’s do a quick recap of all the advantages we’ve covered: 

Self-pay can help you save money, expand your options, and take control of your healthcare. If you’re a Christian interested in this alternative, CHM is a great solution. We’re a cost-sharing ministry—not insurance! That means you get all the perks of self-pay, plus having unexpected medical bills satisfied by other believers. Join CHM today and see for yourself! 

Saving for retirement might seem like a daunting task. Packed full of twists and turns, every discovery brings either confusion or clarity.

But it doesn’t have to be a frightening foray. In fact, this is an exciting time to dream big and make plans. Let’s dive into a few questions as you calculate and save. As we lean on God, He’ll give us wisdom and understanding for the journey ahead.

How much do I need to retire?

The age-old question is often “How much should I save for retirement?” But financial planning for retirement isn’t a “one size fits all” approach. How much you need depends on multiple factors, the most important being your current financial state and future long-term goals.

Every individual will have a different definition of what success looks like. As you consider how much you need to retire, it’s necessary to evaluate your goals before making any big decisions.

Here are a few quick questions to write down and answer:

• What does financial wellness look like in my life?
• What’s my big-picture vision for retirement?
• Have I considered all my healthcare options?
• How should I plan for any medical bill costs that might arise?
• What retirement benefits do I need?
• How much do I currently have in retirement savings?

Evaluating these questions is a great first step to deciding how you can reach your financial retirement goals. As you write out your answers, consider connecting with a professional financial advisor. They’ll be able to speak into your specific situation and provide you with advice for practical next steps. You can also learn more about financial stability for retirement through outlets like Dave Ramsey.