A. Medi-Share Is Not a Substitute for Insurance Required By Law
Medi-Share is not insurance. However, Medi-Share can be used as a substitute for or an exemption from mandated insurance coverage in the following circumstances:
- to satisfy the federal mandate that became effective January 1, 2014 requiring “applicable individuals” to maintain “minimum essential [insurance] coverage”;
- to satisfy the Massachusetts requirement to maintain “minimum creditable [insurance] coverage.”
These are the only exceptions. Otherwise, Members must not certify that Medi-Share is insurance to avoid purchasing insurance required by law, rule or regulation (e.g. worker’s compensation insurance or sports activity insurance).
B. Individual Financial Institution Accounts
To make Medi-Share more convenient for Members, Members share with each other using individual accounts at a financial institution. As part of the enrollment process, Members open an account at a financial institution designated by CCM, and Members authorize CCM to: 1) transfer funds between the Member Sharing Accounts to facilitate sharing, and 2) deduct program fees.
C. Review Monthly Share Notice
Members receive monthly notices regarding their Monthly Share amount. Members, who want to participate in sharing, deposit their Monthly Share amount into their individual accounts for facilitation of bill sharing and continued membership. Members contribute an additional amount to the Extra Blessing fund when Monthly Shares are deposited after the due date. This contribution is $5.00 or 5% of the late amount, whichever is greater (see Section VI. L.).
D. Praying and Sharing
An added benefit of being involved in Medi-Share is the community within the membership. Your Monthly Share Portion is assigned to another Member or other Members for payment of their Eligible Medical Bills.
To request prayer support and to pray for the current Member prayer needs, visit the Member Center.
E. Sharing Assistance
Christian Care Ministry understands some medical situations may cause financial hardship for Medi-Share Members. Monthly Shares may be waived for up to 3 months per 12 month period if a Member’s illness or injury causes loss of income. This is subject to the approval of and monthly review by CCM. The Member is to submit supporting evidence regarding the situation. The illness or injury cannot be related to a medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment listed in Section VI.
F. Cancellations and Withdrawals
Medi-Share membership will be cancelled if a Member does not deposit the Monthly Share for more than two months. The Cancellation Date will be the last day of the month for which the last Monthly Share was deposited. Only Eligible Medical Bills incurred on or before the Cancellation Date will be considered for sharing.
To prevent cancellation, Members can deposit each Monthly Share plus the late fee for Extra Blessings (See Section IV. K.). This deposit needs to be made within two months from the earliest due date. Eligible Medical Bills incurred during that time may still be submitted for sharing consideration.
Membership may also be cancelled if a Member acts in a manner inconsistent with their Christian testimony, for example, by submitting fraudulent bills or information, using inappropriate language with staff, or violating the Medi-Share Lifestyle Agreement.
If a Member wishes to withdraw his or her individual membership, a family member or the entire family, they should notify Medi-Share by mail, e-mail, fax or phone. This action must be taken at least 15 days before the desired Cancellation Date. All changes in membership are effective on the first day of the applicable month.
Mail: P.O. Box 120099, West Melbourne, FL 32912-0099
E-mail: memberservices@medi-share.org
Fax: (321) 308-7779
Phone: (800) 264-2562
G. Reapplication After Cancellation
Members who were cancelled for not sharing faithfully are welcome to reapply. If approved for membership, Eligible Medical Bills will be shared after the first three months of the new membership term. All medical conditions arising before the date of reapplication will be subject to the Guidelines, including those outlined in Section IV. H. This includes the medical conditions that arose during the prior Medi-Share membership.
“In January of 2011, I had a cardiac arrest. My husband gave me CPR and a roomful of paramedics finally revived me. I was then in a coma for three days and had to have a defibrillator inserted into my chest (ready in case my heart arrests again) as well as a week-long hospital stay and follow-up appointments. This cost was over $100,000. What would we have done without Medi-Share?”
—OCIENNA
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Hebrews 13:16 NIV