What about healthy people who are older? 50’s and 60’s who don’t qualify for Medicare? Is this a viable alternative to paying the large insurance premiums when you never get sick or have health issues but are “older”?
100% right on with everything you've written. Glad to see Samaritan Ministries in the alliance - no surprise really.
I did go my homework prior to jumping off the BCBS insurance racket. I like Samaritan bc they are pro-alternative treatments. In other words, many are shareable. Also, I'd had an open heart surgery for aortic valve replacement in 2010 (I was waking up to see President Obama signing the ACA). So I got all my premium's back covering that surgery. So in 2018 when I thinking of getting out of the insurance racket ($1800/mo for just me alone, not even my wife), I tripled checked about existing conditions and Samaritan had a 5 year wait on previous heart conditions. So I went with them and in 2022 when I needed another aortic valve due to a bacteremia from a dog bite, Samaritan members covered it all, every last penny (cash price was almost $80,000). The best part I think are the notes with each person's donation. I really enjoy praying before about the condition of person in need before I write the check. And I write a personalized note with that prayer.
I think your article really hits the nail on the head and the photo of the Amish barn raising is perfect. I worked as a farm vet in the Lancaster Amish community and they walk the walk and truly do take care of each other. I'm grateful there are non-Amish groups that have been organized to do the same.
Thank you, Katy, for being in it and speaking about it as you are.
I had the same experience with Samaritan. Had to have a mitral valve replacement/repair in 2018 and was with Samaritan, the first time I ever had to use it. They negotiated everything, prayed with me, and the notes that I received with the shares were incredibly wonderful and uplifting. The total cost, including the best heart surgeon in the sate, 6 day hospital stay, tests and everything else, came to about 20% of what it would have cost using the insurance model. I did put a few deposits down to keep things fast tracked, but got back every penny of it. And I was already 59 at the time, but it was WAY more affordable than insurance. And thanks, Katy, for fighting for people to keep the right to this. I figured the establishment power brokers would attack this, but had no details on that until now.
Yep! I also then had an inguinal hernia repair in early 2023 (that I'd put off for 3 years) and had another great experience with Samaritan.
One thing Katy hadn't mentioned... if you're late in sending a donation to someone in need in the Samaritan program , you're not booted right away. Contrast that to making an insurance premium payment at 12:02AM when it was due at 12:01 AM and the insurance company will take punitive action (speaking from maddening and stressful experience). Talk about the devil in the insurance industry !!
We have been participating in Samaritan since shortly after the ACA passed and our affordable insurance plan got eliminated. Blue Cross started charging my family $1200 a month way back then--Im sure it would be well over that now.
We've only used it once, but my daughters surgery was very expensive and every penny was covered by the members. The best part of getting out of the insurance system is being able to get my routine health care exclusively from doctors who do not participate in the insurance racket. Our care is so much better overall without the insurance gatekeeping, and instead of spending our health care dollars on insurance premiums we can access the integrative style health care we actually want.
The best thing about Samaritans is knowing that you aren't just getting and giving money, but a whole system of spiritual support as the members pray for one another.
The affordable care act is anything but affordable! They look at your income, but they don’t care if half your income is spent on complex, chronic illness treatments. We have United healthcare and medi-share as business owners. United refuses to pay for any pregnancy costs (since we’re not a part of a group plan they can do that) so I had to pay for an additional insurance. We like medi-share but sadly it’s a pain because clinics/hospitals often refuse to work with it or bill it. And it’s complicated to bill your own insurance.
Thanks so much for sharing your story as business owners. It’s so hard out there for small businesses!! I assume you know this, but if you call Medi-Share, they can often contact your provider for you and get them to play ball. Not always of course, but it’s worth trying!
Great article and summary. I left the corporate world last year and am shocked by my insurance premiums. I have investigated Zion and Crowdhealth and they seem reputable. I will dig into the ministries as I have not looked as closely. Thank you for writing this article!!!
If they’re poor, they qualify for Medicaid. If they’re lower income middle class, they qualify for ACA subsidies. If the health condition is manageable with affordable meds, and they’re Christian, then they could consider an HCSM.
What about healthy people who are older? 50’s and 60’s who don’t qualify for Medicare? Is this a viable alternative to paying the large insurance premiums when you never get sick or have health issues but are “older”?
Definitely a viable alternative, 100%! Check it out!
100% right on with everything you've written. Glad to see Samaritan Ministries in the alliance - no surprise really.
I did go my homework prior to jumping off the BCBS insurance racket. I like Samaritan bc they are pro-alternative treatments. In other words, many are shareable. Also, I'd had an open heart surgery for aortic valve replacement in 2010 (I was waking up to see President Obama signing the ACA). So I got all my premium's back covering that surgery. So in 2018 when I thinking of getting out of the insurance racket ($1800/mo for just me alone, not even my wife), I tripled checked about existing conditions and Samaritan had a 5 year wait on previous heart conditions. So I went with them and in 2022 when I needed another aortic valve due to a bacteremia from a dog bite, Samaritan members covered it all, every last penny (cash price was almost $80,000). The best part I think are the notes with each person's donation. I really enjoy praying before about the condition of person in need before I write the check. And I write a personalized note with that prayer.
I think your article really hits the nail on the head and the photo of the Amish barn raising is perfect. I worked as a farm vet in the Lancaster Amish community and they walk the walk and truly do take care of each other. I'm grateful there are non-Amish groups that have been organized to do the same.
Thank you, Katy, for being in it and speaking about it as you are.
Thanks so much Doc Karreman - love to hear these great experiences!
I had the same experience with Samaritan. Had to have a mitral valve replacement/repair in 2018 and was with Samaritan, the first time I ever had to use it. They negotiated everything, prayed with me, and the notes that I received with the shares were incredibly wonderful and uplifting. The total cost, including the best heart surgeon in the sate, 6 day hospital stay, tests and everything else, came to about 20% of what it would have cost using the insurance model. I did put a few deposits down to keep things fast tracked, but got back every penny of it. And I was already 59 at the time, but it was WAY more affordable than insurance. And thanks, Katy, for fighting for people to keep the right to this. I figured the establishment power brokers would attack this, but had no details on that until now.
What a great testimony - thanks so much for sharing it!! And for reading!!
Yep! I also then had an inguinal hernia repair in early 2023 (that I'd put off for 3 years) and had another great experience with Samaritan.
One thing Katy hadn't mentioned... if you're late in sending a donation to someone in need in the Samaritan program , you're not booted right away. Contrast that to making an insurance premium payment at 12:02AM when it was due at 12:01 AM and the insurance company will take punitive action (speaking from maddening and stressful experience). Talk about the devil in the insurance industry !!
We have been participating in Samaritan since shortly after the ACA passed and our affordable insurance plan got eliminated. Blue Cross started charging my family $1200 a month way back then--Im sure it would be well over that now.
We've only used it once, but my daughters surgery was very expensive and every penny was covered by the members. The best part of getting out of the insurance system is being able to get my routine health care exclusively from doctors who do not participate in the insurance racket. Our care is so much better overall without the insurance gatekeeping, and instead of spending our health care dollars on insurance premiums we can access the integrative style health care we actually want.
The best thing about Samaritans is knowing that you aren't just getting and giving money, but a whole system of spiritual support as the members pray for one another.
Love hearing this - thanks!!
Thank you for your insights. This was extremely helpful!
Thank YOU for reading!
The affordable care act is anything but affordable! They look at your income, but they don’t care if half your income is spent on complex, chronic illness treatments. We have United healthcare and medi-share as business owners. United refuses to pay for any pregnancy costs (since we’re not a part of a group plan they can do that) so I had to pay for an additional insurance. We like medi-share but sadly it’s a pain because clinics/hospitals often refuse to work with it or bill it. And it’s complicated to bill your own insurance.
Thanks so much for sharing your story as business owners. It’s so hard out there for small businesses!! I assume you know this, but if you call Medi-Share, they can often contact your provider for you and get them to play ball. Not always of course, but it’s worth trying!
Thanks so much!
Appreciate the shout out for Accreditation! Nice piece. Have been a part of an HCSM since 1996.
Thanks James! Accredited ministries only, in my book!!
Great article and summary. I left the corporate world last year and am shocked by my insurance premiums. I have investigated Zion and Crowdhealth and they seem reputable. I will dig into the ministries as I have not looked as closely. Thank you for writing this article!!!
Yes, they are reputable! On the religious side, I’d recommend Medi-Share, Samaritan or OneShare. Stick it to insurance!!
Such a great sense of humor!
What do you think the solution is for poor people with chronic health conditions that don't respond to lifestyle interventions?
If they’re poor, they qualify for Medicaid. If they’re lower income middle class, they qualify for ACA subsidies. If the health condition is manageable with affordable meds, and they’re Christian, then they could consider an HCSM.