Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #30 on: August 17, 2007, 06:58:20 AM » by Mama Sita

Quote from: healthybratt on May 30, 2007, 09:03:53 AM

Quote from: Marisa on May 29, 2007, 11:00:39 PM

My Uncle who is a pastor has Christian Care Medishare and he recently had a bypass surgery and the hospital admin was worried b/c they'd never heard of it & were worried it wouldn't cover the surgery. But CCM came through & covered everything He says it's super inexpensive and great insurance. I would use it but my husband thinks it sounds too good to be true.

Can you find a contact on that? I googled it and it appears there may be a clone site and I'm not sure which one is the right one.

BUMP

We're getting mighty sick of paying insurance premiums, too, and then not even using the insurance! Haven't been to the doc, any of us (6), in over a year! And then it was only for stitches!!! Arrrgh!!

More than not using insurance, we are getting tired of paying for people who just don't care about their health and head to the doc for every little thing. Tired of paying high premiums for low (or no) service.

OK, I"m done now. We're moving and my stress level is at an all-time high.

Hey Marisa, if you could post contact info, that would be great.

Thanks.

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #31 on: August 17, 2007, 01:52:28 PM » by Pastorswife2B

My husband and I are members of Christian care Medishare and have been pleased with them. The website to read more is www.Medi-Share.org for a family it is $365 a month for their '250' plan and Maternity is now covered from the time you are accepted but they do not pay for pre-existing pregnancies (we found it took about 1 month to get accepted).

A very similar program that my parents are on and several close friends is Samaritan ministries. Their maternity is a little different but I know they will cover at least part of a homebirth whearas Medishare will not cover any homebirth. Anyway these two organizations I've had personal experience with them paying and they have enough members to be able to cover a catastrophic event.

-Heather

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #32 on: August 17, 2007, 02:30:04 PM » by makingchanges

I was in a serious wreck this summer. My health insurance came into effect. We had also thought of getting rid of our health insurance. We were so glad we had it. Just a thought, if you get rid of your health insurance, you may want to bump up your Personal Injury Protection (on your car insurance) to at least $10,000 per person and get uninsured motorist. My first hour after the wreck was close to $10,000 and I wasn't even really hurt. I was knocked out so they took me by ambulance and took lots of x-rays and cat-scans. I was not at fault, but you are still liable for all your expenses until the case is settled. Just a thought. I do know how you feel about the health insurance. It makes me so mad.

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #33 on: April 17, 2008, 09:41:04 AM » by prairiechild

I just found out my boss dropped my health insurance in February. I only work part-time and have been doing that to keep insurance. It was something of a misunderstanding, she told me if I didn't do weekend call that she'd drop my insurance, then we renegotiated my position and every pay period I still had deductions for health insurance, so I thought I was covered, then yesterday I got a letter from my health insurance that said my insurance was dropped back in February.

So... here we have been TTC and I am not insured. I'm going to check into medishare since I think I'm not pregnant right now, but not 100% positive on that. Does anyone just do without maternity insurance? My first birth was complicated and ended up in a c-section and cost >20,000 so I'm a little nervous about going without insurance. Though I'm trying for a VBAC next time. I've discussed it with my husband and he really hasn't been definitive about what to do. I'm going to bring it up again. I could go back to work more but I really don't want to... I'm planning to homeschool our son this fall and that would be complicated if I work more. My options are work more or go without insurance. I'm leaning towards going without insurance but will only do this if DH is supportive. Home birth is out of the question, my DH would never agree after my last birth.

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #34 on: April 17, 2008, 09:53:09 AM » by prairiechild

Just got a reply... medishare not available in Oklahoma.

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #35 on: April 17, 2008, 12:25:48 PM » by steadygirl

Have you looked at Samaritan Ministries? There is a link for it earlier in this thread. They do not cover things that were pre-existing conditions ( pregnancy before you join or maybe only a certain amount of pregnancy.) They only cover a certain amount of your pregnancy until you have been a member for more than 18 months, but I think you and your husband's time is counted together- like if you were both in for 9 months it adds to 18 months. They are great to work with and you actually send your money to the people, not a company! We like it anyway. Cheesy

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #36 on: April 17, 2008, 12:42:50 PM » by diaperswyper

We really like Samaritan Ministries also.

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #37 on: April 17, 2008, 12:52:12 PM » by Pennie

Quote from: prairiechild on April 17, 2008, 09:53:09 AM

Just got a reply... medishare not available in Oklahoma.

REALLY? My parents are missionaries in Brazil but they use their permanent address as one in OK. My dad did tell me the other day they were being sued by some guy b/c he waited until he got med and then went to have some surgery on something that was preexisitng so they wouldn't cover. He seemed to think all wasy okay though. I will have to ask him about it. Huh

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #38 on: April 17, 2008, 02:17:18 PM » by prairiechild

I did look at Samaritan Ministries but was under the impression that childbirth isn't covered until you've been a member 18 months. (Except up to the amount you have already sent in.) I guess maybe I should join since I don't know how long it will take to get PG and also it would be good for subsequent pregnancies.

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #39 on: April 17, 2008, 02:55:14 PM » by prairiechild

Anybody know anything about Christian Healthcare Ministries? They are a christian medical expense sharing program, have been in business for 26 years and cover maternity expenses after being a member for 300 days. (40 weeks =280 days).
They sound great, just wondered if anyone had actual experience with them.

Here is the link... http://www.chministries.org/default.asp

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #40 on: April 17, 2008, 02:56:06 PM » by kimberlee

We have been members of Samaritan for about 18 months now. We got pregnant well before the 18 months. They paid double the amount we paid in since I had to have a c-section. Of course there are no guarantees but they do have what they call "special prayer needs". They can be anything from getting a cavity filled to major surgery. They list them in every monthly mailer they send. We received well over $2,000 as well as 114 cards and letters. It was very special. It seems to be a biblical concept: bearing one another's burdens. It is worth checking out anyway.

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #41 on: April 17, 2008, 10:00:48 PM » by MommyGus

Has anyone out there ever used any type of government insurance for kids? Out here it is called "kid connection". Over the years I have had a few friends tell me that they would never use the government insurance again (due to bad experiences). My husbands company is going to stop paying for our insurance (they increased his pay) and we are looking for something less expensive. We RARELY go to the Dr. and just need something like "catastrophic" insurance. My DH said we would qualify for the above mentioned government insurance, so I called to see what it entails. I would be required to take them in every 6 months to have our case reviewed with a social worker. I am not to comfortable with that, since we don't vaccinate, have had six home births, don't run to the Dr for every little sniffle etc, I don't think they would like me very much. Anyone had a good experience doing this?

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #42 on: April 17, 2008, 10:20:56 PM » by jenibee

We've had some great experiences with Samaritan Ministries, as well. The monthly share for a family (no matter what size) is currently $285 per month. The deductible - if you can call it that - is $300, and they will "publish" (send your need to other members) up to $100,000 worth of medical expenses. In March, we even had a 10% reduction in our monthly rate because there weren't as many needs! So we only paid $265 for our family! But about the 18 month thing...we're trying so hard not to get pregnant again until the end of the year, when they'll cover the full cost of prenatal and delivery care. It's so hard to wait! Cheesy

But I really like the fact that our money is going to a real person with a real need, not a corporation that is traded on Wall Street. At any rate, if anyone would like an official "referral" (they'll send you an info packet), just write me at jenibee@gmail.com.

Jeni

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #43 on: April 17, 2008, 11:21:38 PM » by crystal

For those of you who are members of Samaritan or one like that, you pay a fairly small premium per month, BUT what more do you pay per month when responding to the needs that are published? Just trying to get a bottom line. thanks!

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #44 on: April 18, 2008, 08:20:42 AM » by Nickole

Quote from: crystal on April 17, 2008, 11:21:38 PM

We just joined this organization, finally, after many years of no insurance whatsoever, except for the kids who are on free state health ins for poor people Cheesy

, but for me and my husband, we had nothing for years. The premium that you pay goes towards those published needs. For the first three months, you send your premium to SM directly. Then after, that, it will be divided up for you, and you will get a letter every month telling you who to send what portion(s) to. So does this make sense now? They take those published needs and divide them among members. So our $248 a month (I think it is, for a couple) will be all we will pay every month, but who it goes to every month will change.

BTW, the Save to Share program is not really explained on the website, so I talked to a guy on the phone there and he said they need an overhaul of the website and need to make sure that is in there. So I will explain it to all you little people Cheesy

. It is really a great deal. In a nutshell, SM covers up to $100k per incident but if you want extra coverage, you pay $15 a year for the admin. fee and are asked to set aside $200 PER YEAR ONLY to have available to give when there are needs like this that need to be met, for others. One month you may not be asked to pay anything more in for the Save to Share, and another month you may, but it will not be more than $200 PER YEAR. That is great peace of mind, as your needs over $100k will then be covered. AND you set aside $200 per year for only three years. After that, you do not need to set aside anymore, as you will not be asked anymore to contribute. But you are still covered. I think you do still pay the $15 a year. I have no idea how they manage to meet needs this cheaply, but he did say people are always surprised at how great a deal it is. Anyway, just FYI.

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #45 on: April 18, 2008, 08:58:35 AM » by jenibee

And one extra thing

There is an annual administrative fee that you pay, which is tax deductible I believe, and it goes directly to Samaritan to cover the costs of the monthly mailings and the good folks who work at the Samaritan office in Illinois. I'm the budget lady (let's hear it, girls!) in our house, and for our family I save $300 per month, which covers the monthly share of $285 (family size) and the remainder adds up to cover the annual administrative cost.

But about the Save to Share program - that's an option that is separate from the regular monthly share. Everyone does the monthly share, and then those who want the extra security participate in Save to Share, as well.

AND finally, if you refer a friend who joins, they'll waive your administrative fee for that year (you see why I'd like to make a referral Grin

). What a deal!

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #46 on: April 18, 2008, 12:25:05 PM » by prairiechild

I found out online that CHM used to be called Christian Brotherhood and about 8 years ago the CEO started diverting funds to himself and not paying claims. They were sued by the state of Ohio, they got a new CEO and I understand they have been paying claims.

I called CHM today to find out how long it takes them to pay claims, they said about 6 months!! I asked for info regarding financial reports and they said they will have their CFO call me back. Actually they first said they are posted on their website, I told them I've looked everywhere and can't find them, they then said the CFO is out but will call me back later. I left a message and will update if I hear anything.

Sounds like a last resort for us.

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #47 on: April 18, 2008, 12:34:59 PM » by prairiechild

What is the turn around time for claims with Samaritan? 6 months with CHM seems really long, especially if that is "optimistic" and it really means 8 months. That's a long time to go with unpaid bills.

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #48 on: April 18, 2008, 01:07:23 PM » by steadygirl

I don't know for sure but I am pretty sure it is much sooner than 6 months. I know for maternity if you can get a discount for pre-paying your provider you can have the need posted before so you can pay. They do a lot of negotiating with the hospitals for a lower price and give out a prescription discount card. I think it is 20% off what you need.

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #49 on: April 18, 2008, 02:37:30 PM » by jenibee

Yup - we sent our February share to a family who is having their baby in July!

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #50 on: April 18, 2008, 03:44:14 PM » by jessicah

We dont have insurance. We did for years, but in that time only went to the doc a couple of times. For now, we decided not to have it.

WE dont bring our children or ourselves to the doctor for sickness. If it is life or death are extremely serious we would but we would just have to pay out of pocket. Most docs and hospitals will reduce the fees if you do not have insurance. You can also pay the hospitals monthy and by law they are not allowed to refuse to treat anyone in the ER - regardless if they can pay or not.

Another option is to look into you state insurance. It will cover pregnancy and children up to age 18. You can use it for dental and eye doctors,too. Here in LA it is called LACHIP.

If we were to get into some type of accident and have hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills, we would apply for our states insurance immediately (this is if it was a child)

If it is me or my husband that is hurt, we would apply for the medical card (which is not quite the same thing but it is similar) Our income and dependent ratio is low enough to where we would be accepted and they would back pay anything that has already been paid within a certain number of months. And also back pay for med. bills that were not yet paid.

You can go to your local welfare office or health unit to find out where to apply at. If you do have to go to the ER for something, the hospital may even be able to direct you on how to apply for these government services.

For now, we take our chances and ask God to guide us.

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #51 on: April 18, 2008, 03:53:15 PM » by jessicah

BTW, in the 18 months that we have not had insurance. If we had been paying insurance all those months we would have spent 3,600.00 and would not have even used it. We only used a doc. once during that time. It was for a newborn check up. During those 18 months I birthed our 7th child at home, assisted my my husband and a close friend. We brought the baby to the doc. in order to make the birth certificate process easier. It cost us 65.00 (since we did not have insurance he reduced his usual 85.00 to 65.00)

So 65.00 or 3,600.00??? I am SO glad we didnt waste that 3,600.00 on insurance. And thankful to GOD for showing us how to keep healthy!

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #52 on: April 18, 2008, 04:00:31 PM » by crystal

Is it possible to join something like Samaritan AND have a HSA? That would be better than paying the huge premium. Right now, my dh's employer pays well over 1K for our family. Undecided

That is ridiculous!!!! At the same time, we are thankful for the insurance. Dd was just in the hospital for 3 days. Total bill is well over $14,000. Shocked

Maybe more. Everything isn't in, yet.

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #53 on: April 18, 2008, 05:18:58 PM » by Nickole

Quote from: prairiechild on April 18, 2008, 12:34:59 PM

Several years ago we saw on some comparison site that they were the fastest at paying claims. I suspect it is the same now, but if you go to their site, they may have a notice on there as to when claims are usually met. I want to say that I saw something about within 60 days.

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #54 on: April 18, 2008, 08:42:37 PM » by momof6

Regarding the turn-around time for Samaritan Ministries, we are experiencing it to be less than 60 days. I think it depends on how soon the bills come. Our bills (ER for instance) came weeks after the event. We are very thankful for SM and have no regrets about sending our share to others believers! It is awesome.

sheri

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #55 on: April 18, 2008, 09:12:36 PM » by crystal

What about big bills over $10,000? How does that work? Are there enough members to cover it. Are you supposed to pay the provider up front and then be reimbursed by the members?

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #56 on: April 19, 2008, 06:39:28 AM » by Nickole

Quote from: crystal on April 18, 2008, 09:12:36 PM

What about big bills over $10,000? How does that work? Are there enough members to cover it. Are you supposed to pay the provider up front and then be reimbursed by the members?

You mean $100k. The regular share amount you send in every month will cover up to $100k per incident. Jenibee clarified that the Save to Share program is an additional, separate thing you can join, add on to your regular share if you will, to be covered in the event that your incident goes over $100k.
What you do is tell your provider that you are self-pay, and then they will send you bills. Then you publish your need and get the money in the mail to pay those bills. I know some doctors require bills to be paid in full on the day of treatment, but others will have payment plans. Perhaps it depends on the circumstances. I don't really know. I would explain that money is going to come in to pay them and just plead my case.

I think it would be a good idea to go to their site and get an info packet sent to you free. You get a video too. That would probably make everything clear.

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #57 on: April 19, 2008, 07:45:44 AM » by Pennie

Quote from: jessicah on April 18, 2008, 03:53:15 PM

You may not have a "choice" some day. We moved to a different State last Oct. Hubs didn't get a job until Jan so we had no ins when we filed our taxes. We are getting penalized for not having ins. our state is the "experiment" so I have read and if it "works" other states will also do that. Makes me mad. That is our money and should be our decision and since ins is always tied to a job generally.........it's MA. You can look it up and read about it.

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #58 on: April 19, 2008, 07:52:20 AM » by jaemom

Quote from: Pennie on April 19, 2008, 07:45:44 AM

Quote from: jessicah on April 18, 2008, 03:53:15 PM

I read about it a while ago Pennie. I agree totally. We don't have ins either and haven't seen the need for it. For us it would've been $4800.00 wasted last year. Roll Eyes

I don't think the government has the right to require this from us. It's where it's headed that concerns me. Next they'll make shots mandatory or penalization. Oh wait, nvmd, they are doing that too in some districts. Angry

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Re: Health Insurance: "Peace of mind or Robbery?"
« Reply #59 on: April 19, 2008, 07:53:42 AM » by Nickole

Oh my gosh, Pennie, I had no idea that was going on anywhere! Sounds like the precursor to forced universal health care that all three presidential stooges (um, nominees) want. That really stinks. You certainly did move to a very liberal state!

We got some more info in the mail on the Save to Share program, so I wanted to mention that the $200 max per year is for couples. It's $300 for a family, if you have a family membership. We just have a couples one.

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