Jill Winkler, Joplin, MO

Adam and Jill Winkler gave birth to two children using the CHM maternity program: Jaden, born Nov. 29, 2012; and Logan, born March 6, 2015. Jill shared her most recent experience with the CHM program. Here’s what she had to say:

Christian Healthcare Ministries: What drew you to join CHM?

Jill Winkler: Health insurance companies wouldn’t accept me because I had a pre-existing condition, so we searched for alternatives. We learned that we could choose our own health care providers with CHM and that I could continue seeing my OBGYN. CHM is an eligible option under Obamacare, so I joined the Gold program and added Brother’s Keeper for catastrophic medical bills. Adam eventually joined as well.

CHM: What happened when you learned you were pregnant?

JW: I called CHM right away.* We filled out the Needs Processing forms and sent them in quickly to begin the sharing process. Since we’d gone through the process with the birth of Jaden a few years prior, it was extremely easy. It also gave us the opportunity to tell others about the wonderful advantages of CHM membership.

CHM: Did you experience any complications with Logan’s birth?

JW: Because I had low amniotic fluid during my pregnancy, the doctor ordered additional ultrasounds. Also, I underwent a C-section that cost nearly $14,000. CHM met these expenses just as the ministry staff said it would. Then, after bringing our son home, he was readmitted to the hospital for three days due to complications. What a blessing it was to not worry about looming medical bills! We were pleased, too, when the doctor reduced our bills significantly after hearing about CHM’s mission. The ministry shared the remaining $20,754 of my maternity expenses.

CHM: Would you recommend the maternity program to others?

JW: We recommend CHM to our friends and family because of our great experiences. The ministry has been a blessing to us because we had peace of mind the whole time. We knew CHM members were going to share our bills.

CHM: Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers?

JW: We’ve come to love the ministry and wouldn’t have it any other way. We knew CHM would come through—and it has, twice.

*Editor’s note: Visit chministries.org/whattodo for a step-by-step guide of what to do when you learn you’re pregnant.