July 30, 2025
Healthcare costs are rising, but Samaritan Ministries offers Christians an affordable alternative
‘SMI’s direct sharing model is fundamentally different from health insurance, allowing members to share for each other’s needs and leave the worry of rising insurance costs behind’
PEORIA, Ill. — Health care debt is a burden for an ever-larger share of Americans, according to a survey released by KFF.
Just under half of U.S. adults say they find it difficult to afford health care costs, and one in four says he or she or a family member in their household had problems paying for health care in the past 12 months, KFF found.
The cost of health care can lead some people to put off needed care, and the cost of prescription drugs prevents some from getting needed medications. Health care costs can factor heavily into family decisions about insurance coverage and care seeking.
“SMI’s direct sharing model is fundamentally different from health insurance, allowing members to share each other’s needs and leave the worry of rising insurance costs behind,” says Anthony Hopp, chief purpose officer for Samaritan Ministries International (SMI, samaritanministries.org). “Over 250,000 members share $30 million in medical bills monthly.”
Notable shares of adults in the KFF survey say they are worried about affording the cost of health care services (including out-of-pocket costs not covered by insurance, such as co-pays and deductibles) or unexpected bills.
“Samaritan members have no network restrictions,” Hopp says. “This ensures maximum choice. When medical care is needed, members pick the health care provider, hospital and pharmacy that works best for them.”
When a large, unexpected, medically-related event happens, SMI’s Save to Share™ program (an optional program) helps members with medical needs that exceed the maximum shareable limits.
“We often hear from grateful members who share their experiences with SMI,” Hopp says.
Elizabeth, from Texas, wrote:
“Even though we have been members for a while, I am so amazed that when we have a need, the need is not only met financially but emotionally as well. The notes, letters and prayers mean so much. During this need with cancer, I have felt the love and warmth of being prayed for, and the loving notes alongside the checks certainly make a difference in this trial.”
Rose, who lives in Illinois, shared:
“God is so good to provide a ministry such as Samaritan. How wonderful to know that not only are people helping to meet your financial needs, but that they are praying for you. It is a true blessing to have fellow believers provide and support one another. So thankful to all who keep this vital ministry going. God be praised!”
Since its founding in 1994, Samaritan Ministries International has helped tens of thousands of families and individuals enjoy health care freedom by allowing them to choose medical providers and treatments at reasonable cost and without network restrictions while following a biblical pattern of caring for one another’s medical needs.
Accredited by the Healthcare Sharing Accreditation Board, Samaritanhas an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau,and serves more than 250,000 members across almost 80,000 households.
Samaritan Ministries is not health insurance. Government exchange-based health insurance requires signups to occur only during open enrollment periods unless one qualifies for a special enrollment period due to a “life event” such as losing coverage, getting married, moving, or having a baby. In contrast, individuals can sign up with Samaritan Ministries at any time.
Samaritan Ministries members are exempt from insurance coverage mandates and penalties in those states that have them (i.e., California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C.).
Samaritan Ministries health care sharing offers many advantages, including:
- No network restrictions. Samaritan members have the freedom of choice for their health care provider, hospital, and pharmacy that works best for them.
- The unique direct-sharing approach does more than just help members financially; it also encourages a biblical community based on prayer. Due to member efforts, monthly shares are hundreds of dollars less per month than health insurance premiums.
To understand how health care sharing is not insurance, and to understand the differences from insurance, prospective members are required to review Samaritan Ministries’ guidelines before joining Samaritan.
To learn more about Samaritan Ministries International, visit the Samaritanwebsite at www.samaritanministries.org, or follow the ministry on Facebook, Instagram or X.
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To interview a representative from Samaritan Ministries International, contact Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096, ext. 105, Dawn Foglein, ext. 100, or Richard Jefferson, rjefferson@hamiltonstrategies.com.
