MediShare – Is MediShare Right For You?
Medishare is a health insurance plan that members create individual sharing accounts with ACCU (the financial partner of Medishare). Members deposit their monthly share into these accounts each month. Other fees include a $2 one-time membership fee, a $2 monthly administrative fee, and a $1 paper statement charge. For more information on Medishare, click here. You’ll be glad you did!
Pre-existing conditions aren’t covered by Medi-Share
If you’ve had a health condition before you joined a healthcare sharing program, you may be concerned that you’ll be denied coverage. The fact is, Medi-Share doesn’t deny coverage to pre-existing conditions, but it does have certain rules and a “phase-in” period before full coverage begins. Medi-Share cannot be joined by women who are pregnant, have high cholesterol or blood pressure. You must have been a member of Medi-Share for at least 36 consecutive months to be eligible.
Unlike insurance, Medi-Share does not cover primary care services. Exempt are well-child visits up to 6 years of age and an annual physical for each family member. If you are eligible for preventive services such as flu shots or other medical care, you will need to cover the cost out-of-pocket. Although you are expected to make use of a PPO network, it is still possible to spend out of your own pocket. Fortunately, Medi-Share does offer telehealth services to its members.
Unlike most traditional health insurance, Medi-Share doesn’t deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. While it doesn’t exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage, it limits how much you can share based on the date of your membership. If you have not had symptoms for three years, your annual pre-existing condition share can be up to $100,000. Sharing is not allowed for congenital diseases such as cancer. However, you must wait at least 36 or 60 months before getting covered under Medi-Share.
Fortunately, there are many options for you to get covered with Medi-Share. This is an excellent way to obtain health coverage without having to pay high-cost health insurance. The benefits are generous and Medi-Share can be used by people who have pre-existing conditions. Before signing up, make sure you read all the details. Medi-Share might not work for you if you cannot afford to have insurance.
Because Medi-Share is a faith-based health insurance program, it’s also a good option for Christians. The program will not cover abortion, drunk driving accidents, tobacco use, or other unbiblical lifestyle choices. Medi-Share covers adoption and pregnancy if you comply with their guidelines. This program can help you protect your finances and provide peace of mind in the event that you need health care.
Preventive care is covered by Medi-Share
Certain preventive services are not covered by traditional health insurance. Medi-Share does not charge a fee for preventive services, even though they are a very common service. Medi-Share does not cover lab work or immunizations. Medi-Share has several plans. These are the main differences in the plans, and the ways they provide preventative care. Compare preventative care costs to see the biggest difference.
Medi-Share does not cover primary care services. The only exceptions are well-child visits for children under six years old and an annual physical. Medi-Share encourages its members to use doctors in its PPO network, which includes more than 900,000 providers nationwide. Preventive care does not count towards your deductible, so plan accordingly. To avoid unexpected costs, make sure you include preventive care in your monthly budget.
Medi-Share does not cover behavioral health services, such as counseling or treatment for learning disabilities or behavioral problems. Routine health screenings, dental and vision care are not covered by Medi-Share. Medi-Share might pay for certain tests based upon symptoms. You should consult your plan’s guidelines for additional information. Preventive services are covered by your traditional insurance, and there is no copay.
Although Medi-Share is not the best financial choice for many people, it can be a viable option for people who don’t have job-sponsored health insurance and are not covered under the ACA. Medi-Share offers a health coaching program for members, which costs extra, and helps them make lifestyle changes that will improve their health. Unfortunately, Medi-Share does not accept members who are older than 65 years of age. Medi-Share covers Medicare Parts A or B. Members can be legal non-citizens or adults with dependent children.
The Medi-Share program also includes a clause about biblical living. Participating members must believe in God and live a Christian life. The clause states that members will not abuse alcohol or drugs. Members must also abstain from smoking and illegal drugs. Luckily, Medi-Share does cover pregnancy and adoption. Pregnancy and adoption are covered as long as members make monthly contributions. Medi-Share covers costs if the member is a Christian and lives within the guidelines set by the church.
Pregnancy expenses aren’t eligible for sharing
If you’re wondering whether you can use Medishare for your pregnancy expenses, you’re not alone. Pre-existing medical conditions are no longer a bar to membership. The program’s guidelines were updated in 2013. While the ministry no longer disallows a woman from sharing pregnancy expenses, you can use Medishare for your prenatal care and delivery costs, which can add up to thousands of dollars.
When considering a health care sharing program, you’ll need to choose the one that fits your lifestyle. Medi-Share requires members to follow biblical principles. That means no abortions or drunk driving accidents. You must abstain from smoking and use illegal drugs. However, pregnancy and adoption expenses are covered. Medi-Share is available to you as long as your monthly contribution are made. Important to note that your eligibility for maternity benefits will be determined after 36 months of membership.
You will be charged an extra fee for doctor visits if you are pregnant or covered by Medi-Share. If you have to visit an emergency room, an additional $35 fee will be charged. If you are unable to find a doctor in your area, you may use telemedicine. If you’re married, pregnancy expenses are eligible for Medishare sharing. If you intend to make use of providers outside your network, however, you might need to contribute a copayment.
While the guidelines for CHM coverage include most expenses associated with pregnancy, they do not cover the whole maternity episode. These include routine office visits, lab tests, prescriptions, immunizations, and up to three medically necessary ultrasounds. You must have been married for 60 or more months if you are pregnant. You will not be eligible for Medishare sharing if you change to Gold or fall below these guidelines.
Medi-Share is available for funerals as well as adoptions.
Christians have shared healthcare burdens for thousands of years. A formal approach was taken with the introduction of MediShare in 1993. The program has paid out over 4 billion in medical bills to its members since it was launched. The MediShare plan for believers under 65 covers medical expenses as well as funeral and adoption expenses. The MediShare plan is not an insurance policy, but a charity organization. The plan aims at providing Christian families with the resources they need for health and care.
To apply, a person must meet certain requirements and must have an AHP of three thousand dollars or more. MediShare will also cover routine well-child care, as well as mental health counseling. The counseling calls are limited to 30 minutes, and MediShare members can receive one annual physical. These will include basic tests such as hemoglobin A1C or a Lipid panel. If you qualify, your monthly MediShare contribution will be reduced accordingly.
MediShare members do not have to be covered by the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate clause. They are also exempted from being penalized for having no insurance. In addition, members can’t be denied MediShare coverage due to a medical condition, and the plan never imposes lifetime or annual limits. MediShare also pays for adoption and funeral expenses that are sometimes prohibitively expensive. For Christian families, MediShare is a beautiful example of sharing and supporting one another. Members can also use MediShare to bless others.
MediShare members may also contribute to eligible adoption and funeral expenses. MediShare negotiates with suppliers to obtain the most competitive prices. MediShare pays all bills and covers costs for those members who have met their AHP. Members are required to abstain from certain sinful practices and pay a $35 provider fee. MediShare reimburses members’ costs when their household meets the AHP requirement.