Are health cost sharing ministries legitimate?

For those wondering if health cost sharing ministries are trustworthy, you’ve come to the right place. Health insurance rates feel more like a mortgage every year, and many Americans are desperate for a low-cost alternative.

Put simply, a health cost sharing ministry is a faith-based community where members voluntarily share eligible medical bills. It’s not insurance (and that difference matters) but many ministries operate transparently, follow U.S. laws, and have decades of experience helping Christians pay large medical expenses. The key is understanding how they work and what they offer so you can decide with confidence.

How health cost sharing ministries work

Health cost sharing ministries serve members who share biblical values and agree to uphold a Christian lifestyle. Members contribute a monthly amount based on the program they select.

Once a medical need arises, members can submit eligible medical bills according to the published Guidelines. Other members’ contributions are used to help satisfy those needs. By contributing each month, members both support others and gain access to support when they have eligible medical needs of their own. Below is a quick overview of what the cost sharing process looks like:

• Choose a program and contribute a set monthly amount.
• Read guidelines to know which medical needs are eligible for sharing.
• Get care from the providers you prefer and request itemized bills.
• Submit all eligible bills and then receive a reimbursement check in the mail.

Do note that any reputable ministry should publish clear guidelines, share reliably within those guidelines, and communicate openly about timelines and limitations. As a ministry, CHM is dedicated to transparency. One way we do that is by providing our Guidelines upfront, so you can see what is and isn’t eligible for sharing before you join.

Legitimacy of health cost sharing ministries

Under U.S. law, qualifying ministries are recognized as non-insurance arrangements. The Affordable Care Act created an exemption for health cost sharing ministries that existed before 2010 and follow specific practices. Most states clarify by statute that qualifying ministries are not insurance and require plain disclosures stating there is no guarantee of payment. These laws don’t turn ministries into insurers, but instead protect clarity for consumers.

Tax considerations

Monthly contributions to a health cost sharing ministry are not insurance premiums and are generally not tax-deductible (with exceptions) as health insurance premiums. However, members may still deduct qualified medical expenses they personally pay, consistent with IRS rules. Because everyone’s situation is different, consult a licensed tax professional for personal guidance.

Limitations to keep in mind

Because this isn’t health insurance, some needs may be ineligible. Before participating in any health cost sharing ministry, make sure to read the full sharing rules, check for accreditation and accountability, and talk with current members or read reviews online.

Accreditation and why it matters

A ministry or organization can only be accredited if it goes through a rigorous review of their operations by a neutral (and trusted) third-party. The higher the standard for review, the better it is for the ministry’s members. CHM conducts annual, third-party audits and holds independent accreditation. Since 1981, CHM and their members have shared billions of dollars—satisfying 100% of all eligible bills. We communicate clearly about what is shareable, what is not, and how pre-existing conditions are handled.

Is a health cost sharing ministry right for you?

Choosing the right ministry is all about aligning your values, budget, and real-life healthcare needs. You should always thoroughly evaluate any organization and their reputation. Here’s a practical checklist as you compare options:

How CHM supports members

CHM publishes clear Guidelines on our website regarding eligibility, with detailed sections for pre-existing conditions, maternity care, and emergencies. Members choose from CHM Gold, CHM Silver, CHM Bronze, or CHM SeniorShare™, and can add CHM Plus for additional protection against catastrophic medical bills.

FAQs about health cost sharing ministries

• Are health cost sharing ministries legitimate in my state? Most states recognize qualifying health cost sharing ministries in statute as not insurance and require clear disclosures. For specifics, check your state’s department of insurance and confirm any ministry you consider provides all required notices. As an important note, Christian Healthcare Ministries operates in all 50 states and serves members of all ages and life stages.
• How are pre-existing conditions treated? Many ministries, including CHM, define pre-existing conditions and may phase in eligibility over time. Review the Guidelines carefully and ask specific questions about your diagnoses and medications.
• Will I be restricted to a network? Typically, health cost sharing ministries allow you to choose any provider and then seek fair self-pay rates. CHM members have the flexibility to pick their own providers, with medical bill eligibility being determined by the Guidelines.
• How quickly are needs shared? Timelines depend on the complexity of the need and the completeness of documentation. CHM provides guidance on typical processing times and communicates throughout review. Submitting itemized bills and requested documentation helps speed the process.
• What should I ask before joining? Get a copy of the Guidelines so you can read up on eligibility; check out examples of sharable expenses; explore their programs; see if they prioritize independent accreditation; and check out member stories. These questions help you confirm transparency and fit.

Selecting your health cost sharing ministry

There are many health cost sharing ministries out there, but it’s crucial to make sure they meet all of your needs. CHM exists to serve Christians through sharing the burden of medical bills and walking alongside them on their healthcare journey.

You can get started by exploring our programs, reading our Guidelines, and connecting with our team. We’ll walk you through how sharing works and how to make the most of your membership perks. By asking the right questions, you can make a confident decision about whether health cost sharing is the best fit for you.