Raising a family with a lot of kids comes with plenty of joy and major expenses—healthcare being one of them. Many parents wonder why family health insurance has to be so pricey and if there are any viable alternatives out there.
For Christian families who want to steward God’s money wisely, Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) offers a unique approach compared to the traditional insurance model. As a nonprofit ministry, CHM allows Christians to share each other’s eligible health expenses.
Instead of paying premiums to an insurance company, members send monthly contributions that directly help fellow believers. Let’s explore how CHM can help bigger families save money while allowing access to high-quality, flexible care.
Why health insurance is so expensive for big families
Marketplace health insurance is already expensive for just one person, let alone a whole family. Add a spouse and multiple kids and things start to add up quickly. Traditional family health insurance is often priced per person, which means costs increase with every additional child—stretching an already tight budget.
For households with low to modest income, financial planning and family planning can turn into a complex juggling act. Many health insurance plans for families present the following challenges:
- High monthly premiums plus added costs for each dependent
- Large deductibles that must be met before coverage starts
- Limited networks of private practices and hospitals
Parents wanting affordable family health insurance often feel financially constrained or priced out altogether, but it doesn’t have to be that way. CHM exists to help Christians live out God’s calling without worrying about the price of medical care.
How CHM supports big families with a three-unit structure
Because CHM isn’t health insurance, members aren’t burdened by excessive costs and restrictions. This allows Christian families to get affordable support that accommodates their needs.
CHM respects the biblical command to “be fruitful and multiply” [Genesis 1:28, ESV]. That’s why we believe parents shouldn’t be penalized with extra costs for having more children through birth or adoption. An important thing to know is how CHM defines family membership through our unit-based system:
- Married couple + any number of dependent children = three units
- Parent or legal guardian + any number of dependent children = two units
- Married couple = two units
What’s great about CHM’s family membership is the three-unit maximum. This structure sets us apart from traditional insurance family plans. Whether you and your spouse have one child or ten, your monthly contribution will never exceed paying for three units. For many families, this frees up more of the budget for everyday expenses.
CHM offers flexibility for your family budget
When managing a family budget with a lot of kids, having some wiggle room goes a long way. CHM’s monthly contributions are designed to be affordable and adaptable.
As your family’s needs change, your membership can be updated at any time. If you need to upgrade or downgrade your family’s program, you can do so within the Member Portal or by calling CHM’s member support team (1-800-791-6225) to assist you. This flexibility is helpful for parents who might need to adjust their spending during different seasons of life.
Just note that any bills submitted with your previous program will be shared under the rules of that program. Any new bills submitted after you change your membership will then be shared under the rules of the new program.
Compared to traditional insurance, CHM doesn’t lock you into a fixed year-long contract; allowing you to switch your program at any time. While health insurance plans can only be adjusted during an enrollment period or after a qualifying life event. CHM makes it easier for families to pivot so they can get the pricing and support they need when they need it.
Because CHM isn’t insurance, members also can benefit from self-pay discounts, adding even more to their savings. Many private practices and hospitals are eager to work with patients who can pay upfront instead of dealing with insurance.
CHM’s robust maternity support for growing families
Having a family is one of God’s greatest earthly blessings. For that reason, CHM is committed to supporting growing families as much as possible—and maternity care is one of the ways we do that. Our generous Maternity Care Solution shares many expenses related to prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal needs according to CHM Guidelines.
Members can also receive a reduction of $500 to their maternity Personal Responsibility if they call and speak with the Maternity Care Team within the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. This kind of discount is rare under traditional family health insurance plans. Not only that, but CHM fully reimburses mothers for eligible physical therapy sessions during pregnancy and postpartum treatment up to 90 days after delivery.
The Maternity Care solution also allows our members access to a nurse navigator to help with various things related to pregnancy like:
- Finding reputable healthcare providers nearby
- Clarifying your options for childbirth
- Explaining lab test results and possible health risks
- Answering questions and providing helpful resources
Because CHM doesn’t use a provider network, that means mothers can go to the certified OBGYNs and hospitals they prefer without worrying about extra fees or hidden charges. Or, you can share eligible costs for legally practicing midwives and birthing centers. Being able to choose your provider allows families to find the best care they need without unnecessary limitations.
CHM’s commitment to help Christian families
If God has blessed your home with many children, there’s no need to worry about unexpected medical debt or exorbitant health insurance fees. CHM serves families big or small by providing financial flexibility, greater provider options, robust maternity care, and compassionate member service. Check out our free cost comparison tool or join CHM today and feel the difference of a biblical alternative to traditional health insurance.
