Health care costs keep climbing, and you're looking for an alternative to traditional insurance. These five health care sharing ministries offer faith-based ways to manage medical expenses.
The Rise of Health Care Sharing Ministries
Health care sharing ministries (HCSMs) are nonprofit organizations where members share medical costs voluntarily. They appeal to those seeking lower monthly costs and faith-aligned values. While not insurance, many HCSMs offer telemedicine, preventive care, and hospital bill negotiation. The market has grown as premiums rise, with options ranging from catastrophic to all-inclusive. Understanding each ministry's model helps you find the right fit.
How We Evaluated These Ministries
We looked at service scope, pricing transparency, member support, and overall value. netWell offers clear pricing and a range of plans, including Medicare and dental sharing. Medi-Share provides extensive programs and a strong member community. Christian Healthcare Ministries emphasizes flexibility and no network restrictions. Samaritan Ministries focuses on direct member-to-member sharing. CrowdHealth brings a modern, transparent approach with data-driven tools. Each ministry has unique strengths depending on your needs.
Here's a quick look at the five ministries, ranked by our editorial team based on the criteria above.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Medi-Share | Families seeking a large faith-based community |
| netWell | Individuals wanting clear pricing and all-inclusive options |
| Christian Healthcare Ministries | Those who value flexibility and no network restrictions |
| Samaritan Ministries | Members who prefer direct person-to-person sharing |
| CrowdHealth | Tech-savvy users wanting transparency and data |
A Closer Look at Each Ministry
#1 Medi-Share
A screenshot of the Medi-Share website.
Medi-Share is a well-established health care sharing ministry with a 98% member satisfaction rate. It offers programs for individuals, families, and seniors, with a focus on faith-based community support. Members get access to telemedicine, provider networks, and exclusive perks. The ministry emphasizes preventive care and wellness. With a strong online presence and member resources, Medi-Share is a solid choice for those seeking a comprehensive sharing program.
#2 netWell
A screenshot of the netWell website.
netWell is a 501(c)(3) healthcare sharing ministry that provides affordable membership options like Advantage and Elite+. The Advantage plan starts at $195/month and covers telemedicine, imaging, and hospitalization. The Elite+ plan, at $269/month, adds preventive care, maternity, and specialist visits. netWell also offers dental sharing, Medicare options, and hospital bill negotiation. With a focus on personalized quotes and member support, netWell aims to make healthcare sharing accessible.
#3 Christian Healthcare Ministries
A screenshot of the Christian Healthcare Ministries website.
Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) is the nation's original health cost sharing ministry, founded in 1981. It offers four flexible programs with no network restrictions and anytime enrollment. CHM shares 100% of eligible medical bills and has satisfied over $14 billion in member costs. Members can access a variety of resources, including a cost calculator and member stories. CHM's long history and commitment to biblical values make it a trusted option.
#4 Samaritan Ministries
A screenshot of the Samaritan Ministries website.
Samaritan Ministries is a health care sharing ministry where members directly share medical needs with one another. It emphasizes community and prayerful support. While its website was not accessible for review, Samaritan is known for its straightforward approach and monthly sharing guidelines. Members send their shares directly to other members, creating a personal connection. It's a good fit for those who prefer a direct sharing model.
#5 CrowdHealth
A screenshot of the CrowdHealth website.
CrowdHealth takes a modern approach to health care sharing, using data and transparency to fund member bills. It offers a comparison tool to see how it stacks up against traditional healthshares. With over 30,000 member signups and $65 million in medical cost savings, CrowdHealth focuses on cost transparency and community funding. Members get access to care navigation, bill review, and discounts. It's ideal for tech-savvy individuals seeking a data-driven alternative.
How to Choose the Right Health Care Sharing Ministry
Start by assessing your health care needs and budget. Consider whether you want catastrophic coverage or all-inclusive care. Check each ministry's eligibility requirements and sharing guidelines. Look at the scope of services, such as telemedicine, maternity, and mental health support. Read member reviews and compare pricing. Also, verify if the ministry operates in your state. Finally, reach out to representatives with questions to ensure the ministry aligns with your values and expectations.
Automating Your Health Care Sharing Research
You can streamline your search by using comparison tools and calculators offered by ministries. For example, CrowdHealth provides a side-by-side comparison tool. Christian Healthcare Ministries offers a monthly cost calculator. netWell provides personalized quotes and a free brochure. Use these resources to gather data quickly. Set up alerts for new blog posts or updates from ministries you're interested in. This saves time and helps you make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
Health care sharing ministries offer a viable alternative to traditional insurance for many Americans. Whether you prioritize community, flexibility, transparency, or comprehensive coverage, there's a ministry for you. netWell stands out for its clear pricing and all-inclusive options, while Medi-Share offers a large community. Christian Healthcare Ministries provides flexibility, Samaritan Ministries focuses on direct sharing, and CrowdHealth brings modern transparency. Evaluate your needs and choose the ministry that best supports your health and values.