You’ve probably heard of Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) as an affordable alternative to traditional health insurance. But here’s the big question—does it qualify as health insurance? If you’re considering CHM for yourself or your family, it’s crucial to know how it works, what it covers, and whether it meets legal or financial requirements like regular health insurance plans. Christian Healthcare Ministries Qualify
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What is Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM)?
CHM is a health cost-sharing ministry, not a traditional insurance company. It’s a faith-based organization where members contribute a set monthly amount, and those funds are used to help cover each other’s medical expenses. Christian Healthcare Ministries Qualify
Think of it like a community pool of funds—when you have a medical bill, the community steps in to help you pay it.
How Does CHM Work?
You choose a membership level – There are different tiers like Gold, Silver, and Bronze, each with varying cost-sharing benefits.
You pay a monthly “gift” – Instead of premiums, members give a set amount every month.
Pay for your care upfront – CHM expects you to negotiate your medical bills directly with providers.
Submit bills for reimbursement – After you pay, CHM reviews the expense and reimburses you if it qualifies.
Does CHM Qualify as Health Insurance?
Here’s the short answer: No, Christian Healthcare Ministries is not legally considered health insurance.
Here’s why:
It does not guarantee payment of medical expenses.
Voluntary cost-sharing program, not a contractual insurance plan.
CHM is not regulated as insurance by state insurance departments.
So while CHM can help you with medical expenses, it doesn’t give you the same legal protections as traditional insurance.
Is CHM ACA-Compliant?
Before the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) individual mandate penalty was removed, CHM members were exempt from the penalty because it is a recognized Health Care Sharing Ministry under the ACA.
But remember, being ACA-exempt doesn’t mean it’s insurance. It just means you won’t be penalized for not having insurance if you’re a member.
What Does Christian Healthcare Ministries Cover?
CHM helps share costs for:
Hospital stays & surgeries
Doctor visits for major medical needs
Maternity care (on higher membership levels)
Prescriptions for qualifying conditions
However, it does NOT typically cover:
Routine check-ups or preventive care
Mental health services
Pre-existing conditions within the first year of membership
Cosmetic procedures
So, if you’re looking for coverage like annual physicals, vaccines, or birth control, CHM won’t handle that like traditional insurance would.
Who is Eligible for CHM?
You must agree to a Christian statement of faith
Live by biblical principles (e.g., abstaining from tobacco, excessive alcohol, and illicit drugs)
Expected to attend church regularly
If you don’t align with those values, CHM may not be the right fit.
How Much Does CHM Cost Compared to Insurance?
Membership fees are much lower than standard health insurance premiums. For example:
Gold Level: Around $200–250/month per adult
Silver Level: Around $150/month
Bronze Level: Around $90/month
This is significantly cheaper than ACA marketplace plans, but keep in mind the out-of-pocket risk is higher since CHM doesn’t guarantee payment.
Pros of Christian Healthcare Ministries
✅ Lower monthly costs than traditional insurance
✅ Community-focused approach to medical bills
✅ Exemption from ACA penalty (when it existed)
✅ Can be paired with a catastrophic insurance plan
✅ Faith-based support system
Cons of Christian Healthcare Ministries
❌ Not legally considered insurance
❌ No guarantee of payment
❌ Limited coverage for preventive & routine care
❌ No network—members negotiate bills themselves
❌ Pre-existing conditions may have waiting periods
Does CHM Work with Medicare or Other Insurance?
Yes! Some seniors use CHM as a supplement to Medicare, helping cover what Medicare doesn’t. Others pair CHM with a high-deductible health plan for catastrophic coverage.
Can You Use CHM to Avoid Health Insurance Altogether?
Yes, you can use CHM instead of traditional health insurance. However, you need to understand that you’re assuming more financial risk. If CHM decides a bill doesn’t qualify, you’re responsible for paying it entirely.
So if you want absolute protection and guaranteed payments, CHM may not be enough on its own. Christian Healthcare Ministries Qualify
CHM vs Traditional Health Insurance
| Feature | Christian Healthcare Ministries | Traditional Health Insurance |
| Legal status | NOT insurance | Regulated insurance |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Coverage guarantee | Voluntary sharing | Contractual guarantee |
| Preventive care | Limited | Usually covered |
| Religious requirement | Yes | No |
Who Should Consider CHM?
People who want lower monthly costs
Christians who want a faith-based community approach
Healthy individuals with low routine medical needs
Self-employed people who can’t afford traditional insurance
But if you have chronic conditions or need predictable, comprehensive care, traditional insurance may be safer. Christian Healthcare Ministries Qualify
Is CHM Right for You?
Ask yourself:
Are you okay with paying bills upfront and waiting for reimbursement?
Can you handle the risk of non-covered expenses?
Do you align with Christian values and requirements?
If yes, CHM might be a good, affordable alternative.
Final Verdict
Christian Healthcare Ministries does NOT technically qualify as health insurance. It’s a faith-based medical cost-sharing program that helps members support one another with medical expenses. While it can save you money, it doesn’t offer the same guarantees or coverage as traditional insurance.
If you’re healthy, budget-conscious, and part of a Christian community, CHM can work well. But if you want full protection and regulated benefits, stick with traditional health insurance.
FAQs About Christian Healthcare Ministries
Does CHM count as health insurance for taxes?
No, it’s not insurance, but it was ACA penalty-exempt when the mandate existed.
Can you join CHM if you’re not Christian?
No, CHM requires agreement with their statement of faith.
Does CHM cover dental and vision?
No, dental and vision care are not covered.
How long does CHM take to reimburse?
It typically takes 60–90 days for reimbursement after submitting eligible bills.
Can I pair CHM with other insurance?
Yes, many people use CHM alongside catastrophic plans or Medicare.