After you join

New members' frequently asked questions

How long will it take for my application to be processed and approved?

If your application is complete, your membership will begin as soon as you click the "submit" button on the online application or on the postmark date of your mailed application (unless you have specified a future start date). CHM has no waiting period; however, please be sure to review our preexisting conditions policy.

Will you send me proof of my membership?

Yes. If applying online, you'll receive immediate confirmation with a temporary membership number. You’ll also receive a new member Welcome Packet in the mail within a few weeks of submitting your application (if you applied in December-March, please see the notice below). The packet will contain your membership card(s), a copy of the CHM Guidelines and forms that you can fill out and submit if you have a medical need.

Also included is a Checklist of Understanding (COU), which must be completed and sent to CHM before we can share your medical needs. This is an important document. Since CHM is not insurance, the COU attests that you clearly understand the difference between voluntary health cost-sharing and health insurance. If you already have your membership card, you can complete your COU form online via the Member Portal.

When will I receive my first billing statement?

The Member Gift Form statement is mailed (emailed if you sign up for e-billing) from the CHM offices between the 10th and 20th of the prior month. (Please allow adequate time for mailing, especially if you live on the west coast.)

For example, you will receive your February statement in January. The tear-off portion of the statement reflects the amount due or, if you have signed up for automatic credit card charge or CheckEase direct bank account withdrawal, the statement reflects a charge or withdrawal on the date you selected. Please carefully read the letter on the reverse side of the statement; it contains important information about CHM membership.

Maryland members: Review special instructions regarding Maryland membership here.

Is there anything else I should know or need to do about my membership?

Though no further action is required, here are some things we highly recommend:

• 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.
• Visit the Member Portal. You can view the CHM Guidelines, make one-time financial contributions, complete the Checklist of Understanding (COU) form or learn how to use the internet to bring a friend into CHM. (When registering for a free portal account, your portal access code can be found under your CHM member number on your monthly billing statement.)
• Make sure you’re on the right program. There are a number of differences between our Gold, Silver and Bronze programs. The Gold level offers considerably more services. Please check the level for each person in your membership and make sure it’s the right one for your needs.
• Sign up for Brother’s Keeper. Brother’s Keeper is CHM’s low-cost program for catastrophic medical bills exceeding $125,000 per illness. If you didn’t sign up for Brother’s Keeper when you first applied for CHM membership, you can do so at any time by using the application in your welcome pack or by calling 1-800-791-6225, ext. 5993.
• Retain your Welcome Packet. In addition to the COU (see question #2 above), the Welcome Packet contains a copy of many other useful CHM forms.

*Important notice for members joining December-March: Due to the large number of new joiners during this time of the year, mailing of Welcome Packets can take longer. In the meantime, you can download a digital Welcome Packet that contains the Checklist of Understanding Form (required from all members) and the sharing request packet (formerly called the "Needs Processing Forms") which are required if you need to submit medical bills to CHM.

The digital Welcome Packet does not contain your membership card with member number or CHMRx discount prescription card. However, a temporary membership card is included on which you can write the temporary membership number (confirmation number) you received if you applied online. If you need a CHMRx prescriptions savings card before you receive your mailed packet, you can request one from the CHMRx website.

We will send your complete Welcome Packet—along with your CHM membership card and permanent member number—by mail just as quickly as possible.