Charlotte Observer Examines Faith-Based Alternatives To Health Plans

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 17 Mar 2008 - 0:00 PST

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The Charlotte Observer on Tuesday examined the "small but growing number of people enrolled in faith-based alternatives to health insurance." Such organizations collect monthly donations and distribute them to help members pay medical bills. The three major "faithcares" operating in the U.S. are Medi-Share, Christian Healthcare Ministries and Samaritan Ministries, the Observer reports.

Most faithcares offer high-deductible, low-cost assistance and are limited to Christians who attend church regularly, do not smoke, drink only in moderation and abstain from sex outside of marriage. Officials with Medi-Share and CHM said they have paid about $800 million of members' medical bills. Members can receive up to $1 million in benefits, depending on the program they join. However, the organizations do not cover physician visits, dental or vision care, or prescriptions and may not provide much benefit for people with chronic diseases, such as cancer or heart disease, the Observer reports.

Critics say faithcares are considered not-for-profit religious organizations and can operate with little government oversight because they are treated like charities. In addition, critics say the organizations do not guarantee coverage because they rely on member donations to provide benefits. Samaritan has experienced shortfalls about two dozen times since 1994, and in each case the company pro-rated shares, paying 80% to 95% of members' medical bills. Medi-Share and CHM officials said they have not experienced shortfalls. Faithcares also have faced lawsuits in several states related to their inability to guarantee coverage (Barbour, Charlotte Observer, 3/11).

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