GET COVERED NOW.
View healthcare sharing programs, and enroll in 5 minutes or less!
   


Have questions, or want to apply by phone?  Call  (800) 908-5841.



Faith-Based Health Insurance (Healthcare Sharing Plans) In Cincinnati, Ohio


American consumers are choosing faith based health plans over traditional insurance in ever increasing numbers.  Cincinnati, OH is no exception.  In fact, Cincinnati has seen as much growth in the volume of healthcare sharing plans as any state in the U.S.

So, what is faith based insurance?

Faith-based health insurance refers to a method consumers from all walks of life are utilizing to handle the risk of unexpected medical bills.  And in actuality, it's not insurance at all - at least not in the legal sense of the word.  Faith-based health plans, (also known as healthcare sharing plans, alternative health plans, or healthcare sharing ministries), are actually health plans that are designed to meet the same needs as traditional health insurance.  The difference is, these plans are not governed by the ACA (Affordable Care Act) rules and regulations.  This distinction makes it possible for faith-based health plans to be structured in ways that are different than a traditional ACA plan.

There are several advantages (and a few disadvantages) that are inherent within this distinction.  This article will address both.

Want to see faith-based / healthcare sharing plans and rates now?  Click here.

Good to know:  Shop smart.  When looking for insurance, the No. 1 priority should be to find adequate coverage.  Price is important, but you'll want to determine the level of coverage that you need - first.  Once you know that, then you can consider which plans to choose, as well as ways to work it into you budget.  You may be tempted to choose the cheapest plan, but if you don't have sufficient insurance protection to meet your needs, well that's not much better than having no coverage at all.

The advent of faith-based / healthcare sharing plans.

Health care sharing ministries have grown exponentially beyond what anyone could have possibly imagined, when such ministries were exempted from the Affordable Care Act health plan requirements.  At the time, the exemption was a way to sooth objections from conservative leaning congressmen who had reservations on the passage of the ACA.  This exempted niche, is now a fast growing segment of the health plan industry.  From all appearances, this trend will continue well into the foreseeable future.  What was once a fringe idea, limited to devout Evangelicals and rural churches has found acceptance with a wide swath of the American populous.

How do faith-based plans work?

To put it simply, healthcare sharing is about like-minded people voluntarily coming together to share the burden of medical expenses.  Healthcare sharing plans are typically faith-based, meaning the core concepts are based upon religious beliefs.  However, in most cases, consumers do not need to be affiliated with any religious group, or be religious at all, in order to purchase a faith-based health plan.

Usually, funds to pay medical bills are dispersed within the same community that the members reside.  in other words, membership dues collected from plan members living in the Cincinnati, OH region will be used to pay for medical costs that arise within the very same Cincinnati, OH region.

Faith-based plans (also known as healthcare sharing plans) are designed to accomplish the same fundamental goals as traditional health insurance:
  • Help people maintain good health by offsetting the costs of health care access.
  • Assist people with the cost of medical bills.
  • Protect people from catastrophic financial loss due to major medical expenses.

The mechanics.

In Cincinnati, the workings of faith-based health plans offered by various entities are quite similar.  Each month all the members pay a set contribution or "share" amount.  This contribution is based on the health plan style they have purchased.  Other factors that may contribute to what the contribution will be are age, gender, and health history.  Contributions are placed into a pool and managed by the healthcare sharing company.  The funds are shared with members who have immediate medical bills, according to their chosen plan and company guidelines.

Good to know:  Keep an eye out for health plan discounts for using fitness technology like Fitness Trackers.  As technology makes data about the state of our health easily available, many insurers are starting to look at using tools like fitness trackers to minimize risk.  Some insurance providers currently offer discounts or incentive plans that will save you money, or provide financial rewards.
Ask a broker about plans that give discounts using new fitness technologies, or plans with health incentives.  One example is "UnitedHealthcare Motion" which offers financial reimbursement incentives of up $1,500 per year.  These types of plans provide good opportunities for savings.  Also, make sure to inquire about the possibilities every year, since these types of programs will become more common over time.
University of Cincinnati Medical Center - health insurance
University of Cincinnati Medical Center
234 Goodman St
Cincinnati, OH 45219
Telephone: (513) 584-1000
Plus Code: 4FQW+4M Cincinnati, Ohio




Advantages of Faith-Based Health Care Sharing Plans.

Because Faith based health plans do not fall under Affordable Care Act regulations, there is enormous flexibility in plan structure.  This is one of the factors that contribute to a lower monthly premium, when compared to a traditional health insurance plan with similar benefits.  Another contributing factor to lower premiums is the comparative lack of bureaucracy within entities that offer faith-based health plans.  Insurance companies in America have had over a century to build up a virtual mountain of bureaucracy.  This stifling excess is invariably passed on to the consumer, in the form of high plan premiums.

Also, the lack of bureaucracy, translates into your physician, medical facility, or hospital being paid much more quickly for services provided.  Consequently, medical providers generally like healthcare sharing plans.

Good to know:  High-deductible plans come at a cost: You'll pay less each month in terms of premiums, but if you do have to use any medical services, you'll pay out of pocket for longer thanks to that high deductible.  Still, if you're looking to lower your monthly costs and you're someone who doesn't frequent the doctor often, high-deductible plans are a valid option.
Disadvantages

First and foremost, you cannot be declined ACA coverage due to a health issue.  This is a major difference, as faith-based health plan companies can choose to decline coverage to any individual due to medical issues or history.  Also, certain ACA plan benefits are mandated by law.  Some benefits, like maternity, for example, may be very important to you.  Your faith-based plan may not offer it.  Faith based health plans are subject to a lifetime benefit maximum.  In some cases, specific benefits are limited.

It's very important that you thoroughly understand the benefits and limitations of faith based health care coverage before you purchase a plan.

For more information on Faith-Based health plans, or other coverage options, please give us a call.



Other articles:
Short Term Health Insurance In Cincinnati Ohio
5 Strategies For Reducing Medical Bills.
Resources



Request a Call Back

We are pleased to assist and will respond promptly.