February 25, 2026
Faith in Big Insurance is cracking; Christians should seek a non-insurance approach like REDEEMTM health care sharing
‘SMI and REDEEM™ members save every month and help each other meet medical expenses outside the troubled insurance system’
PEORIA, Ill. — The financial world was shocked when UnitedHealth, the largest health insurance company, reported its disappointing fourth quarter 2025 earnings on Jan. 27. The news sent its stock diving.
“By the end of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, UnitedHealth’s share price had fallen an astonishing 20% to $282.70,” Wendell Potter wrote in HEALTH CARE un-covered. “The company’s news was so dismal, at least to investors, that it dragged the stock price of all six of its for-profit competitors down with it. It even pushed the Dow into negative territory on a day when both the S&P and Nasdaq were up.”
Why does this matter?
Because the companies scrambling to impress investors and boost their stocks will increase premiums, cut back on payments and make it even harder for people to get medical care, explains Potter, who calls the current health insurance system a “not-so-slow-motion train wreck.”
“This week we are seeing what a tragic mistake we as a country made in turning our health care system over to corporations like UnitedHealth Group that live and die on Wall Street,” Potter wrote.
“Christians who enroll in Samaritan Ministries International (SMI) and REDEEMTM health care sharing don’t have to worry about what Big Insurance is going to do,” said Anthony Hopp, vice president and chief purpose officer of SMI.“Members save every month and help each other meet medical expenses outside the troubled insurance system. They also pray for each other and send encouraging notes and letters. It’s a powerful example of Christian community that is not only practical but spiritually enriching.”
REDEEM and SMI’s direct sharing models are fundamentally different from health insurance; members have the freedom to choose the health care provider that works best for them, and the freedom to join anytime. Members will directly support other members with their medical needs, while embracing their Christian values.
“Another advantage that SMI and REDEEM offer is the peace of mind that none of your shares are going to subsidize unbiblical practices like abortion,” Hopp said. “It’s health care freedom at its best for Christian individuals, families and Christian employers.”
What Samaritan Ministries members are saying:
Matthew and Julie from Tennessee wrote:
“I can’t say enough good about Samaritan and our experiences with this wonderful ministry. Even with all of the unknowns in healthcare and figuring out how to pay for big needs like this, I would rather be doing this than dealing with an insurance company.”
Sarah from Washington said:
“I have been overwhelmed (in a good way) with care and support from Samaritan Ministries throughout my entire need so far. It is the best health care situation I have ever had. I’m in awe with how smooth this has been, giving me so much peace and ability to focus on what is important. I keep thanking God for turning me to Samaritan Ministries, putting me in charge of my health and being a part of an amazing community … Samaritan Ministries has been such a positive during my cancer diagnosis and treatment. It is such a blessing.”
Since its founding in 1994, Samaritan Ministries International has helped more than a million Christians 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, Samaritan has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and serves more than 250,000 members across more than 70,000 households.
REDEEMTM 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 REDEEM at any time. REDEEM 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.).
REDEEM HealthShare Ministry offers many advantages, including:
- No network restrictions. REDEEM 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 REDEEM’s guidelines before joining.
To learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry, visit the website at redeemhealthshare.org or follow the ministry on Facebook or Instagram.
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To interview a representative from Samaritan Ministries International, contact Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096, ext. 105, or Richard Jefferson, rjefferson@hamiltonstrategies.com.
