What red flags to look for when considering a faith-based model instead of insurance?
People searching for a legitimate health care cost-sharing program should be on the lookout for certain things, said David Weldon, president of the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries. Because these organizations are supposed to be nonprofits, people are encouraged to check whether they have filed a 990 form, which the IRS requires of tax-exempt groups, Weldon said.
Those considering these ministries should also try to determine whether the ministry’s religious or philosophical views are consistent with their own beliefs or ethics, he said.
People should also research whether the organization offers a sharing option that’s within their budget and will meet their medical needs.
“I would advise caution for any consumer enrolling in a sharing ministry that is either under investigation or affiliated with an entity that is under active investigation,” Weldon said. “We welcome efforts to promote greater consumer protections.”
Patrick Benner, client relations executive with Samaritan Ministries, also advised consumers to do their homework before signing up with a sharing ministry.
“Does the advertising, website and other communication of the health care-sharing ministry lead you to believe it is just a different kind of health insurance, or does it make (it) clear that it is very different from insurance?”
California Uncovered
About this series: This project results from an innovative reporting venture – the USC Center for Health Journalism News Collaborative — which involves print and broadcast outlets across California, all reporting together on the state’s uninsured. Outlets include newspapers from McClatchy Corp., Gannett Co., Southern California News Group, and La Opinion, as well as broadcasters at Univision and Capitol Public Radio.
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