Why Christian Healthcare Ministries is a Great Alternative to Traditional Healthcare Insurance
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional healthcare insurance, Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) might be the right solution for you. CHM is a non-profit organization that has been serving its members since 1981.
Introducing Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM)
Unlike traditional healthcare insurance plans, CHM is a ministry where members share each other’s medical bills. The concept is simple: members contribute a monthly amount, and when a member has a medical need, the expenses are shared among the members. This way, members can help each other manage the financial burden of medical bills.
CHM is also grounded in Christian values, which might be appealing to those looking for a healthcare option that aligns with their faith. The organization’s mission is to glorify God, show Christian love, and experience God’s blessing, which is reflected in its approach to healthcare.
How does CHM work?
One of the significant benefits of CHM is its affordability. The monthly cost of joining CHM is much lower than the cost of traditional healthcare insurance. Members can choose between three different programs, depending on their needs – Gold, Silver, or Bronze.
CHM members can seek medical treatment from any healthcare provider they prefer. The organization doesn’t have a network of healthcare providers but allows its members to choose freely. However, CHM does provide a list of preferred providers that offer discounts to CHM members.
When a CHM member incurs a medical expense, they pay the first $500 (or $1,000, depending on the chosen program) out of their pocket. After that, they can submit the bills to CHM for sharing. CHM follows a specific sharing model depending on the program the member has chosen.
For example, for the Gold program, members submit medical bills to CHM for payments up to $125,000 per illness. For Silver, it’s up to $45,000 per illness, and for Bronze, it’s up to $25,000 per illness. Bills that exceed these amounts are usually negotiated with healthcare providers for a lower rate, and the members contribute directly to the difference.
Is CHM the right solution for you?
Like any healthcare option, CHM has its pros and cons. The primary advantage is its affordability, as its monthly cost is much lower than traditional healthcare plans. Additionally, CHM is grounded in Christian values, which might be an essential factor for some.
However, CHM doesn’t cover preventive care, such as regular check-ups or screenings, and members pay for medical expenses out-of-pocket up to $500 (or $1,000 depending on the program) initially. CHM members also need to be comfortable with a system that relies on their contributions to share the expenses of others.
Conclusion
Christian Healthcare Ministries is a great alternative to traditional healthcare insurance for those looking for a more affordable healthcare option that aligns with Christian values. It’s based on the idea of sharing healthcare expenses, which can be an appealing way to manage the financial burden of medical bills. The programs offered by CHM are affordable, and members have the freedom to choose their healthcare providers. However, it’s crucial to review the limitations and coverage offered by CHM before choosing it as your healthcare provider.
