CHM vs. Medi-Share: A Faith-Based Guide to Healthcare Sharing Ministries

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

When comparing CHM vs. Medi-Share, the search for affordable healthcare that aligns with your faith becomes personal. Many Christian families struggle to find a path forward, and rising medical costs are forcing more people to look for alternatives outside of traditional insurance.

For an overview of how Medishare works and what it covers, use the table of contents below to jump to that section.

Healthcare sharing ministries (HCSMs) provide one solution, offering a faith-based way for believers to support one another’s medical needs. Two of the most well-known programs are Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) and Medi-Share. While both operate on the same principle of shared responsibility, the way they function — and the member experience they create — are very different. That’s why exploring CHM vs. Medi-Share in detail can help you make the best choice for your family.

In this article, you’ll learn how healthcare sharing ministries work, what makes CHM and Medi-Share different, and how they compare on key factors like the individual mandate, eligible medical bills, monthly share amounts, finding a fair price, and accessing medical care.

Understanding Healthcare Sharing Ministries

Healthcare sharing ministries are communities of believers who commit to sharing the cost of medical expenses. Unlike insurance, these programs are built on trust and faith. Members contribute a set amount each month, and when a member has a qualifying medical expense, those funds are used to help pay the bill. This model is rooted in biblical principles of bearing one another’s burdens. When comparing CHM vs. Medi-Share, both follow this same foundation.

If you’re new to the idea, it may help to think of it as a community-driven health plan. Instead of paying premiums to an insurance company, members contribute a monthly share that goes directly toward helping others with eligible medical bills. Programs like the Medi-Share program or those serving Samaritan members make it possible to handle healthcare costs together, without guaranteeing payment of any medical expense like insurance does. The goal is to create a fair price for medical care while staying rooted in shared faith values.

How CHM Works

Christian Healthcare Ministries has been serving members since the early 1980s. Members can choose from Bronze, Silver, or Gold programs, with CHM Plus as an optional add-on. CHM does not use provider networks, so members have the freedom to choose their own doctors and hospitals. While that flexibility can be appealing, CHM has limitations. Bills must be submitted manually for review, and the process can feel outdated. Coverage for maternity, pre-existing conditions, and catastrophic events comes with stricter limits, and CHM offers fewer additional benefits for everyday healthcare needs. These details are important when weighing CHM vs. Medi-Share.

How Medi-Share Works

Medi-Share, a program of Christian Care Ministry, began in the 1990s and has grown into one of the most recognized names in healthcare sharing. It operates with a more modern structure, making it easier for families to manage medical needs. Members choose an Annual Household Portion (AHP), which functions similarly to a deductible. Once that amount is met, medical expenses can be shared within the community.

Medishare covers:

• Doctor visits (in-network and with negotiated lower prices)
• Hospital stays and surgeries
• Emergency room care
• Diagnostic tests and lab work
• Maternity and newborn care (within program rules)
• Prescription medications (through discount programs)
• Preventive care, as defined in Medi-Share guidelines
• Qualified medical expenses that meet program requirements

Unlike CHM, Medi-Share members have access to a nationwide PPO network, 24/7 telehealth services, and a user-friendly app that simplifies bill processing. Additional benefits, such as prescription savings and optional dental and vision programs, make Medi-Share more comprehensive for families who want convenience alongside faith-based sharing. For many comparing CHM vs. Medi-Share, these advantages make the difference.

Key Features of the Medishare Program

• Monthly Share Contributions: Members send in a monthly share amount that goes toward helping others with their medical bills.
• Annual Household Portion (AHP): Similar to a deductible — members pay for their own medical expenses until the AHP is met. After that, eligible bills can be shared by the community.
• Nationwide PPO Network: Access to a broad network of doctors and hospitals, helping members find care at discounted rates.
• 24/7 Telehealth: Virtual doctor visits for common health concerns, available anytime.
• Prescription Discounts: Savings programs that lower the cost of prescription drugs.
• Dental and Vision Add-Ons: Optional programs for more comprehensive care.
• Maternity Sharing: Eligible maternity expenses can be shared once AHP is met.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: Limited sharing at first, with expanded coverage after a set period.
• Catastrophic Medical Needs: Large, unexpected expenses can be shared within certain guidelines.

ACA Exemption and Compliance

Both CHM and Medi-Share are recognized as healthcare sharing ministries that meet the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exemption requirements. This means members are not subject to tax penalties for being uninsured, which reassures families who want an option consistent with both their faith and the law.

Learn more about Medi-Share in our detailed blog post here: https://abramsinc.com/medi-share-alternative-health-insurance/

CHM vs. Medi-Share: The Comparison

When comparing CHM vs. Medi-Share, the differences become clear. Both ministries rely on monthly contributions from members, but Medi-Share’s Annual Household Portion system provides more structure and clarity. CHM allows complete provider freedom, while Medi-Share members gain the advantage of a PPO network and telehealth access. The member experience also differs: CHM relies on manual processes, while Medi-Share uses technology to create a smoother, more efficient system. Finally, Medi-Share offers additional benefits that CHM does not, making it a more practical choice for families with ongoing healthcare needs.

It’s important to know that healthcare sharing does not function like regular insurance and does not carry the same patient protection requirements. CHM guidelines and Medi-Share rules both define what counts as a qualified medical expense or medical need. Preventive care and routine services may not always be eligible, and members should understand how the programs differ from traditional health plans. Being aware of these details helps families set expectations around what will and will not be shared.

A Real-World Medi-Share Example

Consider a young family with two children. When their toddler developed a sudden ear infection late at night, they were able to use Medi-Share’s 24/7 telehealth service to connect with a doctor right away. The prescription was sent to their local pharmacy within minutes. The convenience and cost savings provided immediate peace of mind, showing how Medi-Share’s modern tools can make everyday healthcare simpler and more affordable.

CHM vs. Medi-Share: Frequently Asked Questions

Many readers have questions about how these ministries work in practice. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns when comparing CHM vs. Medi-Share.

Are CHM and Medi-Share considered insurance?

No. Neither CHM nor Medi-Share offers insurance. Both are faith-based healthcare sharing ministries where members voluntarily share medical costs with one another under community guidelines.

Do CHM and Medi-Share meet ACA exemption requirements?

Yes. Both qualify as healthcare sharing ministries that satisfy the Affordable Care Act’s exemption criteria, so members are not subject to tax penalties.

How do deductibles compare – Personal Responsibility vs. AHP?

CHM calls its deductible the Personal Responsibility (PR) or Qualifying Amount, usually starting around $1,250 per medical event depending on the plan. Medi-Share uses an Annual Household Portion (AHP), which must be met annually before eligible costs are shared.

How are pre-existing conditions handled?

CHM defines pre-existing conditions as active or maintained. Active conditions are generally ineligible, though some bills can be brought to a “prayer page” for voluntary donations. Medi-Share limits pre-existing condition sharing for the first three years, with expanded coverage available over time.

What about maternity, family planning, and catastrophic events?

CHM’s Gold plan offers up to $125,000 per pregnancy, with unlimited potential when paired with CHM Plus. Medi-Share shares maternity needs once the Annual Household Portion is met, with lifetime maximums depending on the plan.

What additional benefits does Medi-Share offer that CHM doesn’t?

Medi-Share includes 24/7 telehealth, prescription discounts, and optional dental and vision programs. These extras add convenience and value beyond medical bill sharing.

How quickly are bills processed?

Medi-Share aims to share eligible bills within about 30 days, providing a faster and more streamlined experience than many alternatives.

What should members know about the fine print?

Both CHM and Medi-Share outline important details in their guidelines. These include payment plans for larger expenses, rules around what counts as a qualifying life event, and how doctor visit charges or prescription drugs are handled. Reading the fine print ensures members understand sharing limits, responsibilities, and the process for lower prices on medical care.

What exclusions exist in CHM vs. Medi-Share?

Exclusions vary but often include certain elective procedures, non-essential treatments, or services not aligned with biblical principles. Members should review exclusions carefully to know what will not qualify for sharing. For example, cosmetic surgery or lifestyle medications may be outside the scope of eligible sharing. Understanding these exclusions helps families avoid surprises when it comes to the payment of any medical expenses.

Which One Fits Your Family Best?

Both CHM and Medi-Share provide a way for Christians to live out their faith by supporting one another with medical costs. But for many families today, Medi-Share offers a stronger balance of affordability, accessibility, and modern convenience. With its provider network, telehealth services, and extra benefits for prescriptions, dental, and vision, Medi-Share makes it easier to navigate healthcare in a way that still reflects your values. If you are weighing CHM vs. Medi-Share, Medi-Share often proves to be the more practical solution.

Take the Next Step with Medi-Share

When weighing CHM vs. Medi-Share, both provide faith-based communities that share medical needs. But Medi-Share consistently offers a clearer structure, stronger support, and practical tools that make a real difference for families. From ACA compliance to on-demand telehealth, Medi-Share shows how modern healthcare sharing can fit seamlessly into everyday life.

If you are looking for a healthcare sharing option that is affordable, faith-driven, and practical for your family, Medi-Share stands out as the better choice. It delivers the balance of values, convenience, and peace of mind that many families want.