A Christian healthsharing ministry is a non-profit, charitable membership-based organization. It isn't insurance; rather, it is Christians sharing their medical expenditures freely.
The majority of healthcare sharing ministries cater to practicing Christians. They're frequently associated with Christian biblical beliefs or principles. It's usually translated as "Christians have a responsibility to help each other meet their needs." This means that members share in paying each other's medical bills.
So, let's take a closer look at the Christian healthsharing ministry's core ideas.
Precursors to healthcare-sharing ministries can be traced back to the early 1900s. Amish and Mennonite communities in the United States have been sharing their resources to assist those in financial need for years. Both factions descend from the same Christian movement as the Protestant Reformation.
Amish religious practices do not prevent people from receiving contemporary medical care. The Amish rely on local doctors and dentists for the most part. They'll also consult specialists and visit the hospital if necessary. However, the healthcare services that the Amish consider useful versus those other people consider essential are often different. This results in the Amish’s cultural differences and values toward modern health care.
The Amish pay for the majority of their medical procedures with their own money. They are, nonetheless, regarded as cautious healthcare consumers. They are generally opposed to all types of insurance, including health insurance. They feel that buying insurance demonstrates a lack of faith in God's ability to provide.
Health insurance is also not an option for many Old Order Mennonites. They'll also turn down Medicaid and Medicare. This is because they think it is their religious obligation to care for one another when someone becomes ill. This practice eventually spread to bigger communities, creating larger cost-sharing ministries within the Christian community.
Today, many Christian healthsharing ministries are expanding and developing. Many of the current healthsharing organizations have been around since the late 1980s. The majority of them were started by religious believers who wished to share their resources with others who shared their beliefs. They believe in putting their trust in faith communities rather than government or insurance companies. They’re also looking for ways to keep medical costs down for themselves and their family members.
Healthsharing ministries provide a viable option for those who are looking for an alternative to traditional health insurance or the Affordable Care Act. By helping each other during times of need, members can foster a sense of community and family between each other. And at Liberty HealthShare, we believe in the power of sharing.
If you’re interested in learning more about how healthshare programs work, eligible medical conditions, or getting more information on our Christian healthsharing ministry, contact us today.