Understanding Christian Health Sharing: Benefits, Limits, and What to Check

Health care sharing ministries are voluntary, faith-based arrangements that can lower monthly costs for members who follow stated beliefs and lifestyle rules. They are not insurance, do not guarantee payment, and may exclude treatments tied to behaviors the ministry considers inconsistent with its faith. Prospective members should read agreements carefully and check state regulation and dispute procedures before joining.

What health sharing ministries are

Health care sharing ministries (often called Christian or faith-based health sharing) are member-driven programs where participants pledge monthly "shares" to cover others' eligible medical needs. They operate on a religious, voluntary basis rather than as traditional insurance. Major examples in the U.S. include Medi-Share, Samaritan Ministries, and Christian Healthcare Ministries.

Why people join

Members often see lower monthly costs than comparable private insurance because ministries screen applicants for shared faith and lifestyle commitments. They also foster community-based support and usually require an affirmation of religious beliefs or a lifestyle covenant.

Key differences from insurance

These programs are not insurance. They typically do not fall under state insurance regulation in the same way carriers do, and they do not guarantee payment of medical bills. Instead, payments depend on available member shares and the ministry's guidelines.

Common eligibility rules and exclusions

Most ministries require regular church attendance, a statement of faith, and adherence to a code of conduct. They commonly exclude treatment tied to behaviors the ministry considers inconsistent with its beliefs. Examples include elective abortions, some contraception services, and medical consequences of substance abuse or sexual activity outside the ministry's standards.

Preexisting conditions, mental-health care, and certain chronic-care services may face waiting periods, limits, or exclusions depending on the ministry and membership level.

Risks and consumer protections

Because health sharing ministries are voluntary and faith-based, members face financial risk if a claim is denied or if monthly shares are insufficient. Complaint processes and internal appeals vary. State oversight also varies, so consumer protections depend on where you live.

At the federal level, these ministries have historically been treated differently from insurance under some laws, but that treatment has changed over time and can vary by circumstance. ¹

Practical steps before joining

Read the membership agreement and the fine print on eligible and ineligible medical costs. Confirm any waiting periods, lifestyle requirements, and the process for submitting and resolving medical share requests.

Contact your state department of insurance to learn whether a particular ministry is subject to state rules or consumer protections. Consider how a ministry's limits interact with marketplace plans, employer coverage, or Medicaid eligibility.

If you depend on guaranteed coverage for high-cost or ongoing care, or you need predictable legal protections, traditional insurance may be a better fit.

Bottom line

Faith-based health sharing can reduce monthly outlays for people who meet membership requirements and accept greater payment uncertainty. Investigate the ministry's written policies, check state regulation, and weigh coverage limits before you enroll. ²

1. Confirm current state-level individual coverage mandates and which states specifically require or recognize health care sharing ministries as alternatives.
2. Verify federal and state legal treatment of health care sharing ministries since 2010, including any ACA-related exemptions or changes.
3. Check which consumer protections and oversight (if any) apply to major named ministries in the user's state.