2025 Update Compare Christian Healthcare Ministries CHM to Compare Medishare Medi-share FAQ TIPS MORE
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Compare Christian Healthcare Ministries CHM benefits to Medishare benefits
Medi-share, Christian Healthcare Ministries CHM and Samaritan Ministries are not insurance. However they serve the same purpose and mostly they offer similar benefits, with much lower out-of-pocket expenses. The monthly premiums are invested in non-profit organizations instead of a commercial money-making business.
Listed below are the two major Christian healthcare organizations. We found -for many reasons- that Christian Healthcare Ministries is the best one out there, which we explain next. The ministry is also supported and recommended by Dave Ramsey (the Christian financial guru).
Compare Christian HealthCare VS Medi-Share
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2025 Monthly Cost per person
CHM Gold: $255.00 (any age)
Medi-share AHP 3000: $354.00 (+ $99?) (age 40)
CHM Details:
CHM $255.00 - Gold Plan (no matter your age or zip code). A family of 3+ pays maximum $765 regardless size of household or age. You can add CHM+ to get an unlimited dollar amount of coverage per medical event. This adds $32 per person, up to 3 people pay.
Lesser expensive plans available (Silver $148, Bronze $98) -both are not recommended as the coverage is not as comprehensive and higher out of pocket expenses.
Medi-share Details:
$354.00 - based on 'oldest' member in house hold age 40.
$342.00 if the oldest member in the household is age 30.
Medi-Share bases the premium on your age and zip code.
Please note that there might be an additional $99 "health coach" fee, per member, per month! Medi-share bases this on weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes and other criteria. Other plans available, less expensive but with crazy high deductibles of $6,000 - $12,000!
Total annual cost including monthly premiums, fees, setup cost etc.
CHM Gold with CHM+: $3,444.00
Medi-share AHP 3000: $4,300.50 (+$1,188?)
CHM Details:
CHM $3,444 per year, regardless your age, -includes Gold plan including CHM+ which includes an unlimited coverage amount per medical event.
A family of four would pay maximum $10,332 per year, including everything with a $1,250 deductible (which can be reduced).
Medi-share Details:
$4,300.50 per year, if the oldest person in the household is age 40, with a $3,000 deductible.
$4,156.00 per year, if the oldest person in the household is age 30, with a $3,000 deductible .
Medi-share's premiums are age, zip code and health related.
Please note that there might be an additional $99 fee per person, per month if you are not "healthy". Medi-share bases this on weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, pre-existing conditions and other criteria.
Lifetime max coverage Amount
CHM Gold: Unlimited (with CHM+ add-on)
Medi-share AHP 3000: Up to 1 Million
CHM Details:
Unlimited coverage per medical event (Gold plan). There is no maximum, if you have the CHM+ addition (included in the pricing stated above). If you don't choose for the optional CHM+ program, the maximum coverage for the Gold plan is $125,000 per medical event (not per year, but for each individual illness or event).
There is no lifetime max coverage.
Medi-Share Details:
Up to $1,000,000. See also pre-existing conditions below.
Out of pocket expenses / Deductible
CHM Gold: $1,250
Medi-share AHP 3000: $3,000
CHM Details:
$1,250 per year, per person as long as all your total bills add up to be $1,250 or more for the medical event.
This deductible can be reduced in multiple ways. See below for more info and also see FAQ
Medi-Share Details:
$3,000 family deductible per year
Also, on top of your deductible you have additional copays for doctor visits, ER etc.
Pre-existing conditions Coverage
CHM Gold: Immediate Coverage
Medi-share AHP 3000: No coverage until year 4
CHM Gold plan details:
Immediate limited coverage for your pre-existing condition:
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Year one $15,000 coverage
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Year two: Additional $10,000 coverage (max $25,000)
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Year three: Additional $25,000 coverage (max $50,000)
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Year four and beyond: your condition is no longer seen as 'pre-existing', so you have full coverage!
Note: If you have a pre-existing medical event in the first 3 years, and the total bills for a covered medical event are more expensive than your pre-existing coverage, you can be added to the prayer page where many CHM members will donate money to help you with your bills. CHM members donate millions of dollars per year to other members on the prayer page to cover such expenses.
Medi-Share Details:
No coverage on pre-existing conditions for 3 full years, limited coverage after that. At year 4, you'll get coverage for pre-existing conditions. If you didn't had any symptoms or treatment in the last 3 years, or when you are a member for 3 full years, then you will get $100,000 coverage per year. Up to $500,000 if you didn't have any treatment or symptoms in the last 5 years, or when you are a member for 5 full years.
Maternity Coverage and Copay
CHM Gold: $2,500 max (can be reduced to $2,000 or less)
Medi-share AHP 3000: $3,000 + copays
CHM Details:
The best maternity program out there, even compared to commercial insurance. Full coverage from A-Z after your deductible of max $2,500 which can be reduced by $500 or more. Unlimited dollars coverage with CHM+.
Medi-Share Details:
Good coverage. It's only available to members with a Annual Household Portion ("deductible") of $3,000 or more. So your out-of-pocket expenses are at least $3,000.00 + all your copays. Maximum coverage is $125,000.
Am I restricted to a Network?
CHM (any plans): No network
Medi-share (any plans): Restricted network
CHM Details:
No network. See any doctor and choose any medical facility/hospital/surgery center you like! There are no network restrictions.
NEW: CHM does offer zero copay for surgery, if you go qualify for the Advantage Care Solutions plan, which is basically a network of high quality providers for specific medical conditions. You are still free to go, anywhere!
Medi-Share Details:
Yes, Medi-Share has their own network, however you can choose to go out of network but you end up paying 20% more per bill.
Are Wellness / Routine Visits Covered?
CHM Gold: Yes, limited
Medi-share AHP 3000: Yes, limited
CHM Details:
Yes, for the Gold plan; however, only covered if your total bills (visits, labs, test, etc.) are over $1,250 for all bills together regarding this medical event. If your routine visit is less than $1,250 for all bills together, there is no coverage (you typically get great "self-pay" discount at most offices. Click here for detailed information).
Many tests, like Endoscopy, Colonoscopy etc. are covered less your $1,250 deductible.
Medi-Share Details:
If your routine checks out 'all healthy', there is no coverage (you typically get great "self-pay" discount at the doctor's office). If you need medical testing done, you are responsible for your deductible and copays $3,000 + copays.
Doctor's office visit coverage
CHM Gold: If over $1,250 total bills for visit and testing (etc.) then you are covered. FREE unlimited online visits
Medi-share AHP 3000: $35 + unknown cost, see details below. Free unlimited online visits
CHM Details:
For Gold plan members: If your total bills for a medical event are over $1,250 (due to blood work, x-rays, follow up visit etc.) you will be covered less your deductible. For regular "routine" doctors visits, there is no coverage, unless it turns into a medical event and the total expenses for everything from A to Z adds up to be $1,250 or more. You typically get a great self-pay discount at most medical facilities/offices, see "money saving tips: on next page and FAQ. Also Free 24/7 access to Teleheath doctors.
Medi-Share Details:
Medi-Share has a copay of $35.00 when you go to an in-network doctor. However you still get billed later on from the doctor's office for the remaining amount. The $35 is applied towards your total bill. The total doesn't count towards your 'deductible'
Can I talk to a doctor online (telemedicine)
Is Dental and Vision included?
CHM Gold: Yes, free unlimited telemedicine
Medi-share AHP 3000: Yes, free unlimited telemedicine
CHM Details:
Included for every CHM member. CHM members can connect with doctors free of charge over the phone or through video chat. Telemedicine provides a practical solution for a wide range of non-emergency conditions. You will have easy 24/7 access to US licensed physicians. Dental and vision are not included, however see FAQ for some great advice and tips regarding Dental and Vision.
Medi-Share details:
Included with Medi-share as a discount plan, from Carington.com. For regular doctors visits you typically get a great self-pay discount, see "money saving tips" on the next page.
ER and/or Hospitalization Deductible / Copay
CHM Gold: $1,250 deductible
Medi-share AHP 3000: $3,000 deductible + copay
CHM Details:
$1,250 deductible. Your bill has to be over $1,250 to be covered (it will cost way more than $1,250 for the ER). Typically the ER / Hospital has a "self-pay policy" in place. Just tell them you are self pay and ask if you get a discount. In meanwhile setup a payment plan once your first bill comes in, until you get your reimbursement from CHM.
Medi-Share details:
Copay of $200.00 when you go to the ER. You are responsible for your 'deductible' as well ($3,000+) in this example. So your minimum out of pocket expenses are at least $3,200.
Hospitalization in/out patient included?
CHM Gold: Yes
Medi-share AHP 3000: Yes
CHM Details:
Yes included. Your deductible/Personal Responsibility is $1,250. Submit your bills easily online and you will get reimbursed.
Medi-Share Details:
Yes included, you are responsible for your copays and deductibles (in this example there is a $3,000+ deductible)
Is Surgery covered?
CHM Gold: Yes
Medi-share AHP 3000: Yes
CHM Details:
Yes, surgery is covered. The total bills have to be $1,250 or more before CHM will pay (what surgical bill is below $1,250 anyways?). So if your total bills are more than $1,250 (including initial doctors visit, lab, testing, surgery, anesthesia, follow up visits etc.) for the surgery, you are covered, less your $1,250 deductible. Say your total bills are $10,000. CHM will pay $8,750 unless you already have met your deductible earlier in the year. In that case CHM will pay the full $10,000.
NEW to CHM is the Advantage Care Solutions. If you need surgery and are willing to take advantage of this program, there will be a credit of $1,250 towards your account. You will get premium health care providers and CHM might even reimburse you for hotel and travel expenses if applicable!
SEE FAQ for more detailed information.
Medi-Share details:
You will pay at least your 'deductible' of $3,000+
How to submit your medical bills
CHM: Easy online portal submission
Medi-share: Facility will bill for you. Limited network
CHM Details:
Super easy online system. Fill in the online forms, scan (or make a picture) of your itemized receipts and upload them to the portal.
Medi-Share details:
If you choose an in-network provider, they will bill for you. However it's a limited choice you have from in-network providers. If you go out of network they have an easy online system. Fill in the online forms, scan in your receipts and submit them with the claim form.
Medicare
Medicare works with both organizations. If you have medicare than CHM and Medi-share will act like a secondary insurance.
CHM Senior Share will pick up the 20% Medicare doesn't cover, for covered medical events. Simply submit your Medicare statement (no need to keep track of your receipts).Your deductible is only $500 instead of $1,250 and the premiums are a lot less expensive. For more info see FAQ.
Christian Healthcare Ministries Info:
Year organization started: 1981. Christian Healthcare Ministries is a well organized, non-profit organization with a financial stable history. They haven't missed any eligible payments because of financial issues.
Medi-Share Info:
Year organization started: 1993. This is a well organized, not for profit organization with a financial stable history. They are a lot more commercial and have stricter policies. They spend a lot of money on advertising which is very costly, and technically you (the members) are the one paying for that.
We only compared the best plans with the lowest out-of-pocket expenses / deductible. The reason that we didn't compare the 'lower' plans, is because of the 'deductible'/out of pocket expenses are extremely high, just like commercial insurance.
Ask yourself this question: Do you have $6,000 - $12,000 to pay a 'deductible', before any medical bills are covered?
Not many people do, so that's why it is smart to invest in a better plan, which still saves you lot's of money, and in case of a medical event you can have a $0 - $1,200 deductible!
There are many 'sharing' organizations popping up everywhere. Be aware that most of them are not 'non-profit' organizations, meaning they are a business, they are in it to make money. Their terms and conditions are like commercial insurance plans, strict and a hassle to get decent coverage.
Please note that you have to be a Christian and you have to follow Christian guidelines and have a Christian lifestyle to be eligible for any of these organizations.