Why is there a Health Partnership program?
Medi-Share members voted in 2003 to allow applicants with increased health risks to participate in a Health Partnership program rather than be ineligible for Medi-Share membership. Research shows certain conditions can be reversed or prevented through therapeutic lifestyle changes. By reversing and/or preventing certain diseases, people are able to live healthier and fuller lives.
When the overall Medi-Share membership is healthier, Medi-Share becomes even more affordable for our members as a health care alternative.
Beyond the goal of making Medi-Share an affordable option for as many people as possible, we also believe that God calls us to steward our bodies well, honoring His temple with the lifestyle choices we make.
How do I begin my Health Partnership journey?
- Want Personalized Coaching? Click here to schedule your first phone appointment.
- Want to Work Independently? Go to the member center and click on the Health Portal button.
Participation because of a health indicator? If you are only in the program because of a health condition or certain diagnosis, the program requires three coaching calls and submission of metrics and lab work in order to graduate. Click here to
schedule your first phone appointment.
What kind of support is included in the online Health Portal?
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
- One-on-one telephonic health coaching for goal setting and accountability
- Meal plans and nutrition guides created by a Registered Dietitian
- Exercise plans designed by certified personal trainers
- Exclusive online health education portal from a Biblical foundation
- Fitness wearable devices and fitness challenges
- Biblical perspective, encouragement and prayer
What can I expect if I choose to work with a health coach?
After setting up the online profile, members will begin by using the Health Portal to select their level of nutrition and their level of activity. Members may schedule an appointment at their convenience with a health coach to set goals, create a wellness vision and establish a plan for the road ahead.
What is the Self-Guided Health Partnership option?
The Self-Guided option lets Health Partners work independently if they so choose. Many members appreciate the option to set and reach goals with little follow-up. This is a good opportunity to test the program, while still having access to personal coaching if needed.
The monthly $99 fee enables Health Partners to access the online Portal to continually set goals, monitor progress and access our full library of health resources.
What if I choose Self-Guided and then later need extra help?
They are welcome to contact the Health & Wellness Department health@mychristiancare.org with questions or to initiate a more structured coaching relationship.
Who is eligible to appeal the Health Partnership Program?
Medi-Share Applicants or Members who are in the Health Partnership program for hypertension, high cholesterol or have an athletic build may submit metrics for review to appeal the program. If you omitted metrics or want to provide updated metrics or labs, Health and Wellness department will review your details, once you submit this form.
- High blood pressure that is medicated or un-medicated and in an optimal range. Optimal range for blood pressure is according to the AHA.
- High cholesterol that is medicated or un-medicated and is in a normal range. Normal range for cholesterol is according to the CDC.
- Muscular or athletic builds, may require a more detailed calculation than BMI (body mass index). If you omitted the additional measurements during the application that are used to calculate body composition, please use the form above to submit those measurements.
How do I graduate and have the fee removed?
- Submit self-reported weight, waist, blood pressure verification and lab work for cholesterol and HbA1c demonstrating that you have achieved the Health Partnership goals using this form.
- Verify 12 months post-graduation for a period of three years. If any of the re-verification metrics are not in line, you will be re-enrolled in the Health Partnership Program and the $99 per month fee will be added to your monthly share notice. Upon the subsequent graduation, the three-year verification process will restart.
What happens if there is more than one Health Partner in the same household?
The Health Partnership program has one $99 fee for the entire household. The fee is removed when all Health Partners graduate from the program.
Do I have to get labs and/or go to my Doctor?
Health Partners are required to verify and submit laboratory results in order to graduate, as well as by the anniversary of your graduation, until your Annual Verification timeframe has been completed. If you do not already have an inexpensive means of obtaining a venous blood draw, please consider using a direct access Laboratory.
The Cholesterol Panel and HbA1c/A1c/Glycohemoglobin cost should be less than $60. Your lab work is a cost that you will be responsible for as members do not share in well-patient laboratory work, including when you pre-pay for lab discounts. These discounted services are not part of our PPO network and the savings are usually only available when you pay upfront and a doctor is not involved.
The verification form for height, weight, waist size, and Blood Pressure can be witnessed by a family member who knows or understands how to properly measure. You can also use a medical professional such as a: Fire Fighter, EMT, Chiropractor, RN, NP, CPT, etc. Complete instructions are included on the form.
What if I don't achieve the goals?
The online resources and coaching support we offer have an excellent track record for successfully helping members graduate. The $99 fee remains in place until the Health Partner(s) is able to reach the goals outlined in the agreement, regardless of how long it takes. This fee enables members to continue to access the support materials long-term to help them reach their goals.