Health insurance is a complex and often confusing topic. With so many options, networks, deductibles, and co-pays to consider, finding the right Christian Health Insurance plan can feel overwhelming. For Christians, there’s an extra layer of importance when making these decisions. Faith plays a central role in many Christians’ lives, so finding health insurance that aligns with their beliefs and values is key. This guide will walk through the basics of health insurance and provide tips for Christians looking to find health coverage that supports their faith.
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Understanding Health Insurance Basics
Before diving into specifics around Christian health insurance plans, it helps to understand some key health insurance terminology and concepts.
Types of Plan
There are several main types of health insurance plans available today, including:
- HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) – Requires all care to be coordinated through a primary care physician. Offers low copays and deductibles usually. Networks are limited.
- PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) – Allows for more flexibility in choosing doctors. Usually has higher premiums but lower deductibles and copays than an HMO.
- POS (Point of Service) – Combines aspects of PPO and HMO plans. Must choose a primary care physician but can also see out-of-network providers for higher costs.
- HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan) – Has a high deductible that must be met before coverage kicks in. Often paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Low monthly premiums.
Key Terms
Some other key health insurance terms to know include:
- Premium – The monthly or annual cost of the insurance plan. Paid whether services are used or not.
- Deductible – The amount paid out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins.
- Copay – A fixed fee paid at the time of medical service. This applies after the deductible is met.
- Coinsurance – Percentage of costs covered by insurance after deductible. The patient pays the rest.
- Out-of-pocket maximum – The most paid-for covered healthcare services in a year. Deductible, copays and coinsurance count towards this cap.
Employer Insurance vs Marketplace Plans
There are two main ways Americans get health insurance – through an employer or through the Health Insurance Marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act.
Employer plans offer convenience and employers often cover some of the premium costs. But plan options are limited to what the employer offers. Marketplace plans can be compared and changed during annual open enrollment. Tax credits and subsidies are available for those who qualify.
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Factors to Consider for Christian Health Insurance
When looking specifically at health insurance for Christians, there are a few key factors to keep in mind beyond just costs and coverage basics:
Services in Alignment with Christian Values
Some Christians prefer to sign up for health insurance plans that do not cover services that go against their beliefs, such as abortions, birth control, sterilization, or gender transition procedures. It’s important to evaluate coverage details to ensure alignment with faith values.
Christian Cost-Sharing Ministries
Cost-sharing ministries like Medi-Share, Liberty HealthShare, and AlieraCare are alternatives to traditional insurance that allow members to share healthcare costs. These faith-based options satisfy health coverage requirements while allowing Christians to share medical bills with those who hold similar values.
Access to Christian Doctors and Organizations
For Christians who want health providers that support their faith, it’s vital to consider plan networks and hospital systems included in the coverage. Looking for plans that offer access to Christ-centered medical professionals and organizations can provide peace of mind.
Abortion Stance of Insurance Company
Some Christians factor in the views and political activity of the health insurance company itself when selecting coverage. Investigating an insurer’s position on issues like abortion can help Christians ensure their dollars are not supporting causes in conflict with their beliefs.
Availability of Plans
Depending on location, Christian health sharing ministries and specialized Christian healthcare plans may not be available options. It’s important to assess what’s accessible when it comes to faith-based and values-aligned insurance alternatives.
Comparing Christian Health Insurance Options
Let’s explore some of the top insurance carriers and cost-sharing ministries that Christians can consider for their health coverage.
Medi-Share
Medi-Share is a leading Christian healthcare-sharing ministry serving over 400,000 members nationwide. Members contribute monthly shares which are used to cover eligible medical expenses for other Christians within the community. There are annual household portions (similar to a deductible) ranging from $1,750 to $15,000 based on the plan. Once the portion is met, eligible healthcare costs are covered according to Medi-Share guidelines. Members must commit to living biblically-based healthy lifestyles. Medi-Share plans don’t cover contraceptives or abortions.
Pros: Household portion max less than deductibles for marketplace plans; no lifetime limits; wide national PPO network; lower costs than traditional insurance
Cons: Pre-existing conditions may not be covered; limited plan options; some procedures not covered if “unbiblical living” contributed.
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Liberty HealthShare
Liberty HealthShare is another large Christian medical cost-sharing community. Their model is based on voluntary monthly contributions from members that help cover fellow Christians’ healthcare costs according to Liberty’s shared beliefs and standards. Liberty requires members to actively participate in a Christian congregation. Their plans don’t cover abortion procedures or pregnancy/childbirth expenses outside of marriage. Membership starts at around $299/month for single coverage with a $1,000 household portion.
Pros: Emphasis on Christian values for members; low monthly costs; coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as membership guidelines followed
Cons: Pre-marital sex, homosexuality, drug/alcohol abuse not eligible for sharing; limited to Liberty network providers; no prescription drug coverage
Aliera Healthcare
Aliera Healthcare offers faith-based healthcare plans that are built upon Catholic/Christian values. Their plans are available to all who agree with and live according to Aliera’s statement of beliefs. Many plans have unlimited telehealth, lab work, and prescription coverage. Aliera plans cover preventive services and medical events from the first dollar at affordable monthly rates (ex: single coverage starts at $215/month). Their plans don’t cover abortion or fetal tissue research.
Pros: First dollar coverage on many plans; unlimited mental health therapy sessions; includes vision benefits; serve all faiths aligned with values
Cons: Doesn’t meet ACA-compliant plan definitions; limited provider networks; no coverage for some services contrary to faith tenets
Christian Healthcare Ministries
Christian Healthcare Ministries facilitates medical cost-sharing across its Christian membership base. Members have three main options: Gold level (costs $150/month) has a $500 incident requirement, Silver ($85/month) has a $1,000 requirement, and Bronze ($45/month) which has a $5,000 requirement. Members send monthly shares to assist others in the community with eligible medical bills. CHM sharing covers doctor visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, maternity needs and more when incident requirement is met.
Pros: Low monthly costs; no lifetime limit on sharing; members from wide variety of churches/denominations; quarterly newsletters and prayer support
Cons: Doesn’t meet mandate requirements; bills between $500-$5k aren’t shared on some plans; limited geographic availability
Prestige Health
Prestige Health provides access to specialized healthcare facilities and practitioners who deliver care centered in Christian beliefs and values. This gives members access to the Prestige network of over 50 clinics and 70 hospitals nationwide. Prestige plans also include telemedicine, dental, vision, counseling benefits, and more. Individual monthly premiums start around $257 (Bronze) to $379 (Gold), with deductibles from $1,500-$7,500.
Pros: Nationwide Christian provider network; personalized member services; ACA compliant plans; coverage aligned with Christian ethics
Cons: Limited availability in some regions; must utilize Prestige Health network; pricier premiums than some alternatives
Conclusion: Finding the Right Christian Health Insurance Fit
Deciding on the right health insurance plan is a big decision with many variables to weigh for Christians. While costs and coverage details are important, also reflect on access to faith-based care, alignment with Christian beliefs, provider networks, and company values when making this choice. Consider leaning on wisdom and guidance from pastors or other church leaders if unsure. With prayer and diligence, finding the health insurance option that best fits your faith, family, and personalized needs is absolutely possible. God promises wisdom when we ask for it, so trust in His provision and guidance in this process.