Medical costs are stressful enough without having to navigate a complicated system. Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) offers a different approach.
Health cost sharing is not a new idea. Christians have been bearing one another’s burdens for generations [Galatians 6:2]. Christian Healthcare Ministries was founded on that principle, bringing believers together to share one another’s eligible medical expenses.
Members support one another through a simple, transparent process. This guide provides a quick overview of how CHM works and what members can expect.
How health cost sharing works at CHM
The process follows three simple steps:
- You choose the program that best fits your needs and send your monthly contribution. These contributions help meet eligible medical bills for fellow members.
- When you have an eligible medical need, you submit your bills to CHM for review.
- Eligible medical bills are shared based on the program you selected.
All sharing follows the CHM Guidelines, which are accessible to all members, so you always know what to expect.
Picking your CHM Program
CHM offers four main programs, each designed to meet you where you are: CHM Gold, CHM Silver, CHM Bronze, and CHM SeniorShare. CHM also offers additional solutions and perks to support members beyond the core programs.
Why CHM programs are easy to use:
- Every program follows the same process, so sharing works consistently no matter which option you choose.
- You choose your own healthcare provider. There are no networks to navigate, and you can often negotiate self-pay discounts directly with your provider.
- Monthly contributions stay the same each month, so you always know what to expect.
Ready to choose? Keep these tips in mind:
- Consider how frequently your family requires medical care. Households with higher usage often benefit from a more comprehensive program like CHM Gold.
- Consider your budget. CHM offers programs at various contribution levels, from the affordable CHM Bronze to the comprehensive sharing of CHM Gold.
- If you are 65 or older and on Medicare, CHM SeniorShare is designed specifically for you. It works alongside Medicare to help fill coverage gaps.
Still not sure? Use CHM’s Find Your Program tool to pick your perfect fit.
Types of eligible medical needs members typically share
Soul care is the intentional practice of nurturing your relationship with God. It CHM members share a wide range of medical needs. Some of the most common include:
- Cancer care: Support for members facing a cancer diagnosis, including treatment-related expenses such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
- Maternity care: Sharing for prenatal visits, labor and delivery, and postnatal care for growing families. Having a baby is one of life’s greatest blessings, and CHM helps keep the focus on that joy rather than on medical bills.
- Surgical care: Support for a broad range of surgical procedures, from planned operations to urgent interventions. Members can choose their own surgeon and facility without network restrictions.
- Prescription care: Help with eligible prescription costs so members do not have to carry those expenses alone.
These shared needs reflect the everyday realities members face and the practical support CHM provides. With a few simple steps, the sharing process can stay smooth from start to finish.
3 tips to make sharing simple
Getting the most out of CHM starts with a few simple habits:
- Ask your provider to bill you directly instead of paying up front at the time of treatment. If needed, you can request a payment plan to allow CHM time to complete the sharing process.
- Mention your CHM membership at every appointment. Many providers will work with you on pricing when they know you’re a self-pay patient. Building that relationship early makes the process smooth.
- Submit bills promptly through the CHM Member Portal. It is your main hub for uploading bills, tracking sharing requests, and staying up to date. Submit an itemized bill as soon as you receive it to keep everything moving.
Understanding the CHM Guidelines
The CHM Guidelines form the foundation for how health cost sharing works at CHM. They outline eligibility requirements, how to submit medical needs, and what members receive through sharing.
CHM makes the Guidelines available to both current and prospective members. Reviewing them before joining helps you understand the process and what to expect.
Health cost sharing made simple
Christian Healthcare Ministries provides a practical, faith-based approach to managing medical costs. Once you understand the basics, the process is clear and easy to follow.
Learn more about Christian Healthcare Ministries and explore the available programs by clicking here.
