A Different Kind Of "Health Insurance"

**hmd2009** · 03-14-2009, 06:44 PM

Darnit I knew being an atheist had a down side somewhere . . .

**sweeps** · 03-15-2009, 06:03 AM

I skimmed through the policy and it seems impressive. I guess it makes some sense because first they don't cover any pre-existing conditions. Their prescription coverage is limited. Also I'm guessing they are able to avoid certain regulations and mandated coverages by being a religious organization. But that of course cuts both ways...

I would do a LOT of research before dumping my existing insurance for something like this. We've been hearing a lot about affinity scams lately. Even it's not a scam per se there could be a gap somewhere in the coverage that would leave you in a major bind right when you needed coverage the most.

**boosami** · 03-15-2009, 06:13 AM

Be careful with this. You pay monthly just like insurance premiums but with no guarantee you will be covered when ill. With insurance you know for sure what's covered and what's not. With this program, the ministry can decide at any time they don't want to cover your illness for any variety of reasons.

There's a reason the heath insurance industry is regulated. This church is using its religious status to get around those regulations.

**lmclanahan** · 03-15-2009, 07:35 AM

I have not personally used this, but have heard very good things about it. I realize it is not regulated by the government, but apparently, it is run by good people who are able to help others for a better price. Restricting it to people who do not smoke or drink excessively helps to keep costs down too.
Personally, I think it is a worthwhile program. I have had various insurances over the years, and almost always had issues with coverage anyway. If you make sure what is covered, and are okay with it, you should be fine.

Just my $.02.

Lea

**blankcheck** · 03-15-2009, 05:19 PM

Originally posted by lmclanahan View Post

I have not personally used this, but have heard very good things about it. I realize it is not regulated by the government, but apparently, it is run by good people who are able to help others for a better price. Restricting it to people who do not smoke or drink excessively helps to keep costs down too.
Personally, I think it is a worthwhile program. I have had various insurances over the years, and almost always had issues with coverage anyway. If you make sure what is covered, and are okay with it, you should be fine.

Just my $.02.

Lea

That's the same problem with other "regulated" Insurances. Part of the issue is that people who are very sick, and utilize lots of health care services, don't have insurance because they are very sick. I don't know what can be done about it though.

**penny-pinchers-usa** · 03-16-2009, 10:56 AM

I've looked into similar faith-based healthcare alternatives like these. Their only drawback is maternity costs. I don't know if this plan is different, but the one I looked into would not cover maternity costs unless you were on the plan for at least 270 days (9 months, curiously enough). Other than that, it seems like it might be a good idea. However, if you are expecting a child and need healthcare, look into Medicaid with the state.

**Angio333** · 03-16-2009, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by penny-pinchers-usa View Post

I've looked into similar faith-based healthcare alternatives like these. Their only drawback is maternity costs. I don't know if this plan is different, but the one I looked into would not cover maternity costs unless you were on the plan for at least 270 days (9 months, curiously enough). Other than that, it seems like it might be a good idea. However, if you are expecting a child and need healthcare, look into Medicaid with the state.

Having a policy like that protects them from adverse selection. For example, a person signing after they found out thyat they were pregnant to get their maternity costs covered.

**LivingAlmostLarge** · 03-16-2009, 12:05 PM

What if you develop a condition after you join that requires medication for life? Not a pre-exisiting condition but is expensive to care for?

**Angio333** · 03-16-2009, 12:38 PM

My response was not about this specific policy. Adverse selection only applies to illness, injuries, pregnancy, etc that that you knew about prior to applying.

For example, you do not have insurance, but know that you need surgery on your ACL (knee). You buy health insurance, and then try to get the surgery covered right away. A company may prevent certain surgeries that are not due to an accident for a period of time to prevent people from signing up just to get a specific procedure covered.

**Scanner** · 03-16-2009, 02:04 PM

WARNING: This publication is not issued by an insurance company, nor is it offered through an insurance company. Whether anyone chooses to pay your medical bills will be totally voluntary. This publication should never be considered as a substitute for an insurance policy. Whether you receive any payment for medical expenses, or whether or not this publication continues to operate, you will always remain liable for any unpaid bills.

This is not a legally binding agreement to reimburse you for medical expenses you incur, but is an opportunity to present your medical expenses to other Christians as outlined in these guidelines. The monetary assistance you may receive will come from other subscribers, not from Samaritan Ministries. The following information describes the types of needs that will be published for subscribers as determined by subscribers. Monthly share amounts are figured on a household basis. Families of three or more give more than couples, and couples give more than singles. The amounts are explained in Section III. Monthly amounts are subject to change by a vote of the subscribers as the amount of bills and medical costs change.

I find this worrisome mainly because it's looking like duck, walking like a duck, but trying not to quack like a duck. And the problem could be when you really need it, it may not be there for you.

Tell you what though. . .everyone here send me $265/month and I'll decide whether to pay your medical bills on not.

I'll call it Emperor Scanner Health Insurance.

**Angio333** · 03-16-2009, 05:26 PM

Just to clarify, I was not considering getting this plan. I saw the ad and thought that it would make an interesting discussion.

Like Scanner, I can easily see how it can be a scam.

**LivingAlmostLarge** · 03-16-2009, 06:07 PM

They have a ton of referrals they say though to back it up. I read through it, something interesting, they don't necessarily pay 100%.

They said if they can only collect $X, but it pays 75% of EVERYONE's need that month, that's all you'll get.

So you are still responsible for 25%, but you got 75% help. How would you budget for not knowing what you are responsible for?

A Different Kind Of "Health Insurance"