Medishare vs Samaritan Ministries (Pros and Cons of each)

[@theCJConger]

I've been a Samaritan member for over 7 years and it's been incredible! We've had over $100K worth of medical bills met through their sharing program and haven't had hardly ANY out of pocket expense! I love not having a yearly deductible or having to worry about provider networks! I can literally go anywhere I want! Plus, receiving notes of encouragement along with money directly from someone is incredible. I've done the research, no other Health Care Sharing Ministry can match what Samaritan has to offer!

[@Garconis]

Coming from someone who works there?

[@LTVoyager]

@@GarconisI’ve seen this at least twice now. If you are so cynical, why even watch a video like this?

[@todd7114]

As a health care provider, Christian health sharing programs are such a blessing. Medi- Share is a little harder to work with than the others for us, but they still are so much better than traditional insurance. Traditional insurance only pays health care providers 30 cents on the dollar of billing. That is why preferred rates are given to those paying cash or paying from health sharing ministries.

[@DYI]

True, the real value of insurance is the negotiation they do. United Healthcare got a friend's $132k hospital bill down to only $20k or only 15 cents on the dollar. Since I was researching switching to a Christian health sharing program I asked about getting a cash discount and was told I could get only a 10% discount.

[@wescallie5068]

Thanks for having me Bob! I hope this helps people make a decision, but they can't go wrong either way :). Thankful for you bro!

[@kathyc68]

May I ask you a question. Do you have to pay your bills upfront as a self pay, then get reimbursed when check are mailed to you? Or are the doctors/hospitals giving you services and then giving you a bill that can then be paid at a later date (I think you touched on that, but wasn't sure I understood correctly). I'm now considering going with Samaritans, I'd never heard of it before, but want to be sure we have a good amount of money available should a need arise (to pay upfront bills). Does this makes any sense? lol

[@marielagiordano8291]

Hi! I have a question, how do you file this with the IRS when presenting your taxes? My husband is self employed and I work as an employee that doesn't receive health insurance. We currently pay our health insurance out of our pocket and then deduct it from our taxes as an expense. Thanks!

[@TexasLady]

We are with Samaritan and we have had to pay everything we’ve had done up front then send the bills in and Sam reimburses. I realize not everyone has had to do that but in our neck of the woods, no one has been willing to trust that they would get paid. Most of ours has been medical tests but my husband had shoulder surgery and we got a bundled deal in San Antonio (5 hour drive) for 7000.00 for the doctor, surgery center, and anesthesiologist. This is still so much better than traditional insurance. We have control over our health. No insurance company can tell the dr what he can or can’t do. There are other health sharing coops like Brothers Keeper and Liberty. A person can’t go wrong choosing this way over insurance. I’m so glad we made this move several years ago.

[@theCJConger]

Deidre, I've been a member for 7 years and rarely had to pay anything upfront before getting help from SMI. Might be worth talking to someone in the Member Care Center next time you have something come up.

[@PerfectionHangover]

I can’t speak for either of these companies, but I’m glad we switched to medical cost sharing (Christian Healthcare Ministries specifically). Best decision ever!

[@triplea6174]

@Sean Olaveson who'd u go with?

[@kathyc68]

This was a great video, thank you. I have a month to find something to replace our current insurance and I'd never heard of Samaritans Ministries, I was going to sign up with medi-share, but now I can compare them both and decide which best fits our needs.

[@marielagiordano8291]

Hi Kathy, have you signed up with Samaritans? Could you share your experience? Would you recommend them? I'm considering them :)

[@christinaoliveryoung6019]

Yes 🙏🏼 please update as I'm trying to figure this out too!

[@kathyc68]

@@marielagiordano8291 I did sign up. So far all I have done is made monthly payments, as I haven't had a need to use it for myself. Sorry I couldn't have been more helpful.

[@kathyc68]

@@christinaoliveryoung6019 I did sign up. So far all I have done is made monthly payments, as I haven't had a need to use it for myself. Sorry I couldn't have been more helpful.

[@christinaoliveryoung6019]

@@kathyc68 no worries, thank you!

[@MollyGianna]

I have enjoyed Medishare especially knowing that I am not paying to abort children BUT, my premium increases every year. I called and asked why and they told me that it is because I am of child bearing age. I have 2 children, one born under medishare.

[@jamieslingerland]

My family has used Medishare for 4 years now and it has been great

[@hartfischer5509]

If you are Moslem, Jewish, Buddhist, or agnostic, or not adhering to Christian theology enough, join Crowd Health. As a Presbeterian Christian who does not go to church regularly, Crowd Health was my way to get into the equivalent of Christian Ministry health sharing. It is so much better than regular health insurance. We members are so committed to keep cost down and to help each other, that the shares we pay are way less than traditional atheist health insurance. I hope to measure up to my Christian values some day, but until then Crowd Health is my way. Love this channel.

[@barelyfree9427]

As open enrollment at work comes around this year, the premiums are insane considering how high the deductibles also are. We're very much considering moving to Samaritan or Medi-Share. Still weighing pro's and con's of both at this point.

[@cara_eachordinarymoment]

We’ve been with Samaritan for almost nine years and have been quite happy with it overall. The one thing that does make us really sad is that they do not cover the preexisting medical conditions of adopted children, even if the family has been members long before the child was adopted. We’ve appealed this and pray they change their policy some day. Other than that, we can’t recommend them highly enough!

[@SeedTime]

Thanks for sharing your experience Cara!

[@JohnBoyX570]

Medishare will cover pre-existing conditions after 3 years of sharing. (Albeit incrementally each year after the 3 years in)

[@christinaoliveryoung6019]

Does Samaritan cover preexisting for others, just not adopted?

[@loriwoehl5108]

When you receive money from other members in Samaritan, do you have to report it as income on your income taxes?

[@trentacoldbrew9962]

Great question!! I hadn't even considered that possibility. Definitely something I need to ask before deciding between the two!

[@Blessing927NJ]

Thank you so much for sharing the great information!!

[@itskimwhalen]

Bob thank you for this awesome episode. I would love to see another Medishare episode now that your wife has given birth. I would love to know both of your thoughts.

[@SeedTime]

Great idea Kim!

[@forhisglory6254]

We have been with medishare a few years now. They are better than regular insurance. They do go up every year,( every year) and I'm older and past child bearing. We started at $285 a month about 7 years ago our deductible to meet was 3750.00 and they discontinued that amount and i believe its around $4250-4500 a year, they do have different amounts you can choose from lower or higher. 2 years in they started charging extra . 7 years in and we're now at $800 a month. They also charge an extra $80 a month above your regular monthly cost if you're above the weight they see as required by their standards. So if your monthly share is $300 you pay $380 until you get to their health requirements. It sometimes feels your being punished for your weight etc but some people have health reasons on why they can't loose weight their medications,thyroid, heart etc. But you still have to pay the extra $80.. it's something to look into and consider. Overall their good no major hospital stays thank God.

[@cuddlesanddaisy]

What about Christian Healthcare Ministries?

[@theCJConger]

CHM is a lot like Samaritan Ministries but has more restrictions. If you're looking between the two, Samaritan would be the better choice in my opinion. I've been a Samaritan member for over 7 years and it's been incredible! We've had over $100K worth of medical bills met through their sharing program and haven't had hardly ANY out of pocket expense! I love not having a yearly deductible or having to worry about provider networks! I can literally go anywhere I want! Plus, receiving notes of encouragement along with money directly from someone is incredible. I've done the research, no other Health Care Sharing Ministry can match what Samaritan has to offer!

[@Garconis]

@@theCJConger and you work for them?

[@kevinelvington9569]

Medi-Share seems alot more expensive. Bob, sounds like you can save alot more money with Samaritan. I'm thinking of going with Samaritan.

[@SeedTime]

Yep it does but it is more work, and at this point in my life, I need things to be as simple as possible! ;)

[@tomroyal6167]

I was with Samaritan's for several years and left to go to Medi-share because it was cheaper. Well, you get what you pay for. Samaritan's was more expensive but very good whereas Medi-share jacks a person around and their communications is poor. I'm getting ready to leave Medi-share.I can't talk to them because of their lack of paying bills in a timely manner.

[@Garconis]

Curious if either of you tried (or seriously looked into) CHM before going with Medishare or Samaritan Ministries. Gold plan seems somewhat comparable for about the same price, whilst the actual "deductible" is less. Still trying to decide between the 3.

[@RichLuciano1]

Have you committed to one of them?

[@Garconis]

@@RichLuciano1 been with CHM now for about a year. Haven't had to use them for any reimbursements yet though. Since regular checkups aren't covered, I've had to pay out of pocket for those.

[@TSis76]

Thank you for posting this

[@SeedTime]

You're welcome

[@bbsvchic]

Thinking of Samaritan…. Hard to know which is better, basic or classic? We have 1 little girl and we’d love things like chiropractors to be covered and maternity.. how much monthly would that be?

[@thomasb1334]

Thanks for the video. Great info! Can you please explain a little more about how you pay your monthly premiums with MediShare? You mentioned something about a CU account. I currently have traditional insurance through the exchange and pay my insurer directly with a credit card.

[@SeedTime]

Hey Thomas, it is pretty simple basically when you open a medishare acct, the also have you open an acct at ACCU and you sign a form that gives them POA over the acct so they can withdrawal money. Honestly, I haven't looked at the acct since I opened it about a decade ago. But each month I get a bill and just mail the check to ACCU (not Medishare) and then Medishare pulls it out of the ACCU acct when the money is needed.

[@thomasb1334]

@@SeedTime Thanks for the info.

[@thestraightroad305]

SeedTime Money what is ACCU? I am truly bewildered by the amount of acronyms with NO referents or definitions.

[@birdeyes200]

I think Christian healthcare ministries is best for women & maternity

[@cherryleavell2335]

Thank for invite me to MEDI-SHARE, this is a blessing to some claims to help with their needs.

[@retniretep9477]

It seems that these "groups" could simply form an insurance group just like those provided by employers except that they're not contracting with a "for profit" insurance company like Kaiser or BlueShield. By doing that, members would get full health insurance coverage with no deductible for a fraction of the cost since this group would be a "truly non-profit" insurance group. Employers usually pay about $750/month per member or $1200 per couple, etc..., but since this would not be for profit, it should cost less than half that for full coverage with minimal co-pays of about $25 per office visit, excluding free annual preventative checkups including free labs and scans. When I say free, it means that it's included in the plan that your premiums subsidize as a group. So why don't these "groups" set up a truly non-profit health insurance organization that mimics the widely accepted and established "for-profit" insurance giants but at half or less of the cost?

[@thesaintmustwalkalone708]

I would love to join Samaritan, but we have not found a place to worship corporately. We are meeting with extended family now. But I can only join at the end of the year after my husband's insurance is up, and with Corona, we aren't going to find one anytime soon. So sad.

[@TristanPinkham]

Great info, bro!

[@SeedTime]

Thanks big red!

[@tckexpat]

Not sure why my comment keeps getting deleted?

[@susanhains556]

Hi, I have been curious about health ministries health share plans for many years. I never acted on it. I am now 66yo. Do they accept members of this age? ( I'd like to ditch Medicare if possible. ) Thank you!!

[@brucesprung6431]

If you want dental and vision coverage would you need to procure additional coverage?

[@racheljordan6983]

Can you submit pre existing things that arent covered under the "special needs" you were talking about?

[@mayra2455]

I'm 20 weeks pregnant, can i still join? I have no help with my medical bills & every time gets more expensive.

[@birdeyes200]

No, you have to be a member before. You may need to find grants or loans. Self pay discounts. I think medi share has resources they can provide to seek assistance.

[@gr8god4u]

The fact that I have never been and have many pre-existing conditions I cannot afford for profit or not for profit Ministry plans. I do not make enough income and so I am forced to be on Medicaid which I believe is like third world coverage.

[@jwc56]

This is a very informative video. Is any part of what you give tax deductible? How about general donations from those with wealth to share, both programs?

[@SeedTime]

1. Not for Medishare - not sure about Samaritan . 2. Not sure at all

[@karinarivas1064]

If they are a a 501c3 (charitable) org you should receive a yearly contribution statement, I think. What I don’t particularly like about these plans is that you cannot use it with your health savings account.

[@DYI]

@@karinarivas1064 That is not completely true. You can still use money from your HSA. The problem is you can't add to your HSA unless you have a traditional high deductible plan for nearly the entire year (Need to have at least up until December 1). This is important for me as I have had an HSA for years that now has a high balance, but because I lost my work subsidized insurance I now am looking into switching to a Christian plan as it is only 1/3 the cost of COBRA.

[@kristenfiscus9216]

Wesley, if you choose to give additionally toward a Special Prayer Need or donate toward the Disaster Relief fund, among other options, these gifts are tax deductible should you send through the Member Assistance Fund.

[@thestraightroad305]

Do health share organizations cover long term care issues? Thanks.

[@SeedTime]

Hey Jean, I know Medi-share has a separate service you can sign up for to cover LTD stuff

[@thestraightroad305]

Thank you so much! I will talk about this with my husband Ron. We enjoy your videos. And we share them.

[@emeraldkimble7602]

Blue cross blue shield same cost 190 a month

[@computerwizard1959]

In what world can you get real blue cross and blue shield coverage for $190 a month?

[@emeraldkimble7602]

@@computerwizard1959 anthem us lical bcbs carrier

[@lynhcoffman1848]

My God bless you!

[@SeedTime]

you too!

[@tappersuzie]

SO SO HELPFUL .... thank you so much

[@nwketchy5074]

Do either of these cover mental health?

[@SeedTime]

Hey Nancy, I'd check out both of their websites to find details about exact coverage!

[@tamaralaird3389]

For Samaritan, what if no family chooses to help you, then what?

[@theCJConger]

Tamara, Samaritan Ministries facilitates the sharing. So that would not happen. Each member household receives a notification each month of who they are to send to. If a member does not meet their obligation of sending their monthly amount to their assigned person/family, they would not be allowed to continue in Membership. Samaritan would then assign a different family/person to send in their place. All that to say, if you are on the receiving end and Samaritan tells you that you're going to receive $10,000... you will receive it. I've been a Samaritan member for over 7 years and it's been incredible! We've had over $100K worth of medical bills met through their sharing program and haven't had hardly ANY out of pocket expense! I love not having a yearly deductible or having to worry about provider networks! I can literally go anywhere I want! Plus, receiving notes of encouragement along with money directly from someone is incredible.

[@Kooshad1]

@@theCJConger does Samaritan allow me to only do it 7 months out of the year? so, 5 months consecutive out of year, I wouldn't be in for example.

[@theCJConger]

@@Kooshad1, I think I understand your question. If you are only wanting to be a member for 7 months of a year, that is absolutely fine! There is not a determined length of time that you have to remain with Samaritan Ministries. You can join any time during the year and if things change for you, you can leave at any point with a simple phone call or email. Although there is a signup fee, there is not a fee to leave and you can do it at any point. Let me know if that was helpful or not!

[@a1gb4456]

Do you choose your DR??

[@SeedTime]

I think we discussed that in the video right? Yes for both. With Medishare if you choose an in-network doctor it is a little easier typically with submitting bills

[@karinarivas1064]

If you get Medishare or samaritan, do you get penalized for not carrying ‘real’ insurance?

[@SeedTime]

Nope! They are both exempt from the Obamacare mandate

[@DYI]

And from the California mandate that kicks in 2020... Trump ended the federal mandate in 2019

[@gypsiemomm]

I was told by Medi-shate that only if you live in CA are you fined for not having health insurance. Medi-shate is not considered health insurance.

[@softwaresavvysub]

As my husband and I approach middle age, 50. What happens if someone in the family, including children are diagnosed with a life long disease or chronic issue do either of these groups drop or disqualify you? What a great idea to share your experiences. I promised myself as I try to transition from working for a school district to working at home that I would do my research. If you'd ever like to have a newbie guest to be put on the "hot spot" I'd be interested.

[@SeedTime]

Hey Collette, I am pretty sure that none of the health sharing ministries would drop anyone under circumstances like that. If so, I don't think many people would use services like these - but check with them directly for your answer there

[@softwaresavvysub]

Our family also has teenagers are they also covered until they turn 26 like the traditional health care?

[@SeedTime]

Not sure about that, I would check with both directly to find out

[@theCJConger]

Yes, with Samaritan your adult children can remain on your Membership until they are married, move out on their own, or turn 26. Once they turn 26 then can split off on their own for only $160/month

[@forhisglory6254]

Hi

[@mweber5459]

Get out of the beast system...NO ALEXA!!

[@SeedTime]

Lol, if only we could!

[@mahwahazet4133]

...sure you can@@SeedTime

[@chrisbellomo9254]

Is it ok to have aflac and this type sharing

[@SeedTime]

Yep I believe you can do both