What to expect the first 30 days of your CHM membership

Thinking about joining CHM?

As a health cost sharing ministry, the way we operate is different—by design! Trying something new (like joining CHM) often comes with lots of questions. That’s why we’re here to help as you decide what’s best for your needs.

To help you get started, here’s a quick look behind the scenes so you know what to expect in the first month of membership. We’re excited to share the cost-savings, flexibility, and prayerful encouragement CHM has to offer when you join!

Getting Started

How long will it take, and when will I receive proof of my membership?

Once your enrollment is complete, your membership will begin as soon as you click the “submit” button on the online enrollment or on the postmark date of your mailed enrollment (unless you have a specified future start date). You’ll receive confirmation and a temporary membership number.

When your information is processed, you’ll receive an email containing your member number and start date. After that, once you receive this information, you’ll be able to register for the Member Portal, download your digital membership cards, submit medical bills, view the CHM Guidelines, and more!

You’ll also receive a new member Welcome Packet in the mail within a few weeks of submitting your application that will contain printed membership cards, a print copy of the CHM Guidelines, and more.

What is the medical bill sharing process?

CHM members are considered self-pay, uninsured* patients. When going for medical care, members inform healthcare providers that they’re a self-pay patient, asking providers to send them itemized bills directly and apply any available uninsured or self-pay discounts. Members then submit all eligible bills to CHM. This allows them to have a direct say in their healthcare. With CHM, there’s flexibility to choose your own providers with the advantage of transparent pricing.

When the bills are submitted, the CHM staff have five tasks to complete the medical bill sharing process. For more information about what to do if you need medical care, visit this resource.

*CHM is not insurance. As a CHM member, you’re considered uninsured if you don’t have primary health insurance.

How do I find CHM-friendly providers?

Because CHM doesn’t restrict you to a network, members often discover higher-quality care at lower cash-pay prices. We’re devoted to empowering members to find quality healthcare service at an affordable price. CHM has staff that specialize in building relationships with healthcare providers and pre-negotiating discounts—allowing accessible, quality care at competitive cash-pay prices. The resources section of the Member Portal also has a search feature for finding CHM-friendly providers nearby.

There’s also the option to use our help in selecting a provider for certain medical events (maternity, non-emergency surgical procedures, or cancer). Learn more about CHM Care Solutions that are included as part of CHM membership here.

As long as the expenses are eligible for sharing within CHM Guidelines, the healthcare provider options are countless.

Why do you use different terminology?

CHM is a spiritual covenant relationship with fellow Christians—not a contractual obligation. Covenants are found throughout the Bible both between God and His people, and His people in covenant with each other.

As a health cost-sharing ministry (not insurance) we use terms that reflect our mission. These terms further demonstrate how we’re able to minister to the Body of Christ more effectively. You can find a helpful glossary of our most commonly used terms here. 

While the language may feel unfamiliar at first, most members quickly find it reflects the heart of how CHM serves them.

What else should I know about CHM membership?

Here are some actions we highly recommend for members in the first 30 days after joining:

• Activate your Member Portal account. You can add a person to your membership, change your contact info, download your digital membership cards, make one-time contributions, set up and manage recurring contribution payments, submit medical bills for sharing, and access tools to help you share CHM with friends and family.
• Read Heartfelt Magazine. You’ll receive Heartfelt at the beginning of each month. Please read it carefully; it contains helpful information about being a member, ministry news, member testimonies, advice for healthy living, and more.
• Make sure you’re on the right program and part of CHM Plus. CHM Gold with CHM Plus provides the most comprehensive sharing support, including lower Personal Responsibility and additional assistance for medical needs over $125,000. CHM SeniorShare™ is available for members age 65 and older.
• Engage with other members on our social channels. Be encouraged through prayer, testimonies, and other helpful content on CHM’s social media channels. Look for us @iheartCHM.

Starting your CHM Membership

Ready to get started? If a faith-based, flexible approach to healthcare feels right for you, CHM is ready to welcome you. Enrollment is simple, and your membership can begin right away.

• Start your CHM membership
• Talk with a Member Enrollment Team Member

“As bills came in, I scanned them in and submitted them to CHM. Every eligible medical expense was shared. I didn’t have to worry about any lingering bills from the surgery.”

—Michael Widuck