Posted on 10/27/2016 1:19:32 PM PDT by Alberta's Child
Sorry for the vanity, folks, but I'm looking for some input from Freepers who are members of one of the Christian health-sharing ministries I've heard advertised on the radio. I'm in the application process for an individual medical insurance plan, and I just learned that I'm not eligible for a mid-year enrollment because I don't have a "qualifying life event" under Federal law.
At first I thought I would just need to cover a two-month gap in my insurance coverage between November 1st of this year and January 1st of next year when I'll be eligible through open enrollment, but it turns out I can't buy such a policy in my state.
Finally, I've decided (in the midst of this election season) that I've had enough with this nonsense ... and it's time to just give up on the whole system and change course on this completely.
I've done some research on these groups and I have a good idea about how they work. I find the whole concept -- and the religious exemption from Obamacare mandates -- absolutely intriguing.
Just a few questions for anyone out there on FreeRepublic who knows more about these organizations than I do:
1. Are you enrolled in one? Which one is it?
2. Would you recommend it?
3. Is there any particular reason (they don't cover a such-and-such procedure, for example) why your group would not be suitable in some cases?
4. Any other positive or negative experiences that you'd want to share?
If you belong to one of these groups then you qualify for a religious exemption. You just have to make sure that they post the detailed explanation to verify that they've qualified as a religious organization under Obamacare.
Excellent. Thank you for those links!
No, there's an exemption in the law that covers these.
One other thing, and I'm not sure if the other ministries have similar requirements, CHM did require an actively Christian life for membership. That means meeting regularly and faithfully with other Christians to fulfill ministry (church) and be engaged in furthering Christianity. At a minimum, being a member, or a regular participant, in a local church and in good standing.
I always felt a little guilty since, during my membership, I became disillusioned with the large church I had been attending, and began church shopping, so I didn't have a regular congregation to call my own for a while. But the association makes sense. These ministries want practicing, orthodox Christians who support each other. This contributes to health and reduces health costs.
Actually, you don't even have to supply any proof, just affirm on the tax return that you have coverage.
This is what separates these ministries from any other run-of-the-mill phony religious racket like Catholic Charities.
More likely, they knew damn well that legal precedent would have ensured that these ministries would have prevailed in any legal case against Obamacare anyway -- the same way the Amish don't pay into Social Security and Medicare, for example.
It's my understanding that Catholic Charities is what puts on that debauched dinner before the election, where all the most putrid politicians can preen before the public and crack jokes at anyone's expense, including Christianity.
I know it's not expressed, but these ministries are really aimed at Evangelical Christians. I doubt many Catholics or mainline break-offs would qualify (abortion supporters, excessive drinkers, etc.)
http://www.chministries.org/downloads/f8965_2015_Sample.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwjez6Xd9fvPAhXJrFQKHSCvCb0QFggoMAE&usg=AFQjCNH_QZyf46pjlWf0FALtqCvP7WZHTA
I guess that requirement was implemented after the tax year I was a member. I even find that requirement onerous.
You’re exactly right about Catholic Charities.
Thanks for this timely question and everyone’s responses. So helpful! I literally just started working on this yesterday.
You’re welcome! I’ve heard these ads for a while, and I finally find myself in a situation where they really sound like something I’d consider strongly.
True, but they have an excellent record of paying for claims. And if you think about how insurance companies worm out of paying, are they obligated? I checked Christian Healthcare Ministry's stats before I joined, and I feel "safer" with them than I do with a traditional insurance company.
For anyone interested, here's a link to one person's review of CHM: http://www.christianhealthcareministriesreview.com/
Sorry, don't know how to make a link.
I belong to Medishare (mychristiancare.org). I have been a member since 2011. Joined after my BCBS started going up by double digits. It’s a very good organization. The use Private Health Care Systems Physician’s network. It is a large network and I would be surprised if your docs were not in it. The rates have increased but not nearly as high as some of my friends. Most doc offices bill them directly as do Hospitals. My daughter was in the hospital 2 years ago and they covered everything I thought they should. All ER visits and doc visits have been covered per the plan. I have had no complaints at all with them.
Check them out. They have a large reserve, and are one of the oldest.
Oh, I agree with you. Their practice of helping members pay is stellar, otherwise word would get around and they wouldn’t stay in business.
Again, I was a member for about 10 months and never regretted it, even without filing a claim.
Very good. Thank you!
Their ads heard on Levin’s show among others are followed with a disclaimer of “not legal in Montana “ because they are not offering health insurance.
Their ads heard on Levin’s show among others are followed with a disclaimer of “not legal in Montana “ because they are not offering health insurance.
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