Cancer is challenging, not the least of which is the financial challenge many face when considering treatment options. Alternative therapies, which provide more flexibility than conventional ones, are oftentimes not covered by traditional insurance. As a potential solution, this blog explores a viable alternative that Christian Ministry Health Share plans, also known as health care sharing ministries, provide.
What is a Christian Ministry Health Share Plan?
These plans are faith-based organizations where members share medical expenses. These cooperatives or co-ops follow the principle of mutual aid from members who contribute monthly to the shared fund which in turn is used to cover eligible healthcare costs for participants when needed. Although not an insurance company, the co-op provides a foundation for members to support one another for medical care in line with their shared Christian values. Key components of these plans include:
Monthly Payments: Members contribute a set amount typically lower than traditional insurance.
Shared Funds: Money is collected and used to reimburse or direct pay medical costs.
Faith-Based Community: Members engage actively in their faith through prayer and emotional support for one another.
Lifestyle: Specific health and lifestyle guidelines such as refraining from smoking or substance abuse may be followed. F
What Health Share Ministries Cover
One of the benefits of Christian ministry health share plans is that they may have flexibility in covering alternative treatments that traditional insurances do not. Here are some examples:
Supplement and nutritional therapies: Plans may cover the costs for specialized diets or supplements.
Holistic Care: chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture may be eligible.
Integrative care: Treatments that combine methods such as herbal medicine and energy/thermal therapies can be covered.
The Benefits of Christian Ministry Health Share Plans
Financial: The monthly contributions to the plans are frequently lower than insurance, so they are more affordable for patients.
Direct Pay: Health share plans can reimburse members directly giving patients the flexibility to pay for treatments at a provider of their choice.
Flexibility: Many Christian health share ministries understand the value of alternative medicine offering coverage where traditional insurances stop.
Community: Members receive spiritual and emotional support from a shared-values community, which is vital for an improved experience with cancer.
Considerations
While there are many benefits to these health share plans, it’s important to understand some key points:
Not Insurance: These plans are not legally required to adhere to insurance regulations and may not be required to cover certain treatments.
Limited Coverage: It’s important to understand the specific limits to what they cover.
Pre-Existing Conditions: These plans may limit coverage for pre-existing conditions or have waiting periods similar to insurance plans.
No Guarantees: Coverage depends on the approval of the organization and the availability of the shared funds.
How to Maximize their Benefits for Alternative Cancer Treatments
Plan and Research: Make sure you have a clear understanding of the specifics, like costs, waiting periods, and out-of-pocket expenses. Research and compare the plans to ensure they meet your goals.
Confirm Coverage: Make sure you get in writing what specific alternative therapies the plan will cover.
Identify Providers: Select and work with healthcare providers that are familiar with working with Christian health share ministries to facilitate billing and reimbursements.
Some Well-known health share ministries:
Samaritan Ministries: Considers submission from members for alternative therapies.
Medi-Share: Focuses on biblically aligned healthcare sharing and may cover integrative treatments.
Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM): Have personalized programs tailored to individuals that may include coverage for holistic care
Conclusion
Christian health share co-op plans function differently from conventional health insurance, so it’s vital to research how each plan works including what guidelines are used to decide treatment choices. By offering an additional option to fund alternative cancer treatments, these plans enable patients to have access to more care options for their cancer journey. To find out more about your options, talk to Dr. Andrew Dickens, a leading expert in alternative medicine therapies at all stages and types of cancers by calling 480-699-7400 or schedule a consultation at https://www.dayspringcancerclinic.com/contact.