Health Share Ministry enrollment

Health care sharing ministries (HCSMs) are not insurance. They are faith-based, non-profit organizations where members who share common ethical or religious beliefs voluntarily pool money to help pay each other's medical expenses.

48 steps across 9 sections

1. Monthly Share Amount

  • Members pay a monthly "share" (similar to a premium), typically $115-$315/month for singles and $300-$600/month for families
  • Exact amount depends on the ministry, plan tier, age, and household size
  • Some ministries (like Samaritan) have members send checks directly to other members in need; others (like CHM and Medi-Share) pool funds centrally

2. Eligible Needs and Processing

  • Member Responsibility (similar to a deductible): You pay a set amount out of pocket first, typically $1,000-$6,000+/year, before the ministry begins sharing
  • Submit medical bills: After meeting your member responsibility, you submit bills to the ministry for review
  • Guideline review: The ministry checks whether your need qualifies under their sharing guidelines (not all expenses qualify)
  • Payment: If eligible, the ministry pays the provider or reimburses you from the shared pool
  • Processing time: Varies by ministry — can take weeks to months depending on backlog and the ministry's financial health

3. What Triggers Sharing

  • Unexpected illnesses, accidents, and surgeries generally qualify
  • Preventive care and wellness visits: coverage varies widely by ministry
  • Some ministries negotiate provider discounts; Medi-Share is the only major ministry with a formal provider network

4. Medi-Share

  • Founded: 1993, one of the largest (~400,000+ members)
  • Monthly cost: As low as $30/month (basic plans); typical range $150-$450
  • Key features: Only HCSM with a provider network (in-network vs. out-of-network pricing); 98% reported customer satisfaction; unlimited sharing; app-based bill submission
  • Faith requirement: Strongly worded Christian statement of faith; may verify church attendance with your pastor
  • Best for: Families wanting a network-based experience similar to traditional insurance

5. Samaritan Ministries

  • Founded: 1994 (~280,000+ members)
  • Monthly cost: ~$220-$495 depending on household
  • Key features: Peer-to-peer model — members send checks directly to other members in need; no central fund; includes prayer and encouragement with each share; unlimited sharing for qualifying needs
  • Faith requirement: Active Christian church attendance; pastor verification
  • Best for: Members who want a personal, community-driven experience

6. Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM)

  • Founded: 1981, the oldest HCSM
  • Monthly cost: ~$90-$260+ depending on program level (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Brother's Keeper add-on)
  • Key features: Three tiers with different sharing limits; Brother's Keeper add-on provides catastrophic coverage (bills over $125,000); central processing of shares; unlimited sharing at Gold level
  • Faith requirement: Christian faith statement; less strict verification than Medi-Share
  • Best for: Budget-conscious individuals wanting tiered options

7. Liberty HealthShare

  • Founded: 2014
  • Monthly cost: Varies; historically competitive pricing
  • Key features: Was one of the more popular options; $1 million sharing cap (lower than peers)
  • Caution: In recent years, Liberty has faced accusations of mismanagement, slow claim payments, and legal actions from state regulators and members. Research current status carefully before enrolling
  • Faith requirement: Less restrictive than other ministries (broader faith statement)
  • Best for: Proceed with caution — verify current financial health before joining

8. Typically Shared (Covered)

  • Hospitalization and surgery for unexpected illness/injury
  • Emergency room visits
  • Doctor visits (varies by plan)
  • Lab work and diagnostics
  • Some preventive care (wellness visits at some ministries)
  • Prescription medications (often limited)

9. Typically NOT Shared (Not Covered)

  • Pre-existing conditions: Most ministries impose waiting periods of 1-3 years; some cap sharing for pre-existing conditions; some charge surcharges
  • Mental health and substance abuse: Most ministries exclude or severely limit mental health, counseling, and substance abuse treatment
  • Maternity: Typically requires a waiting period of 10-12 months from enrollment (must be enrolled BEFORE conception); some ministries only cover maternity for married couples
  • Contraception: Generally excluded
  • Preventive care: Varies; many plans don't share routine screenings or annual physicals
  • Dental and vision: Generally excluded (some offer discount programs)
  • Self-inflicted injuries or injuries from risky behavior: Excluded
  • Injuries from activities violating the faith statement: Drug/alcohol-related incidents excluded
  • Abortion: Excluded (except life of the mother at some ministries)
  • Weight loss surgery: Usually excluded

Common Mistakes

  • Treating it like insurance
  • Not reading the sharing guidelines carefully
  • Joining with significant pre-existing conditions
  • Ignoring maternity waiting periods
  • Assuming mental health is covered

Pro Tips

  • Pair with an HSA (if eligible)
  • Negotiate provider rates yourself
  • Keep detailed records
  • Use telehealth
  • Maintain a health savings buffer

Sources

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