***NEWS RELEASE***

 

 

Even If You Missed ACA Open Enrollment, It’s Not Too Late to Become a Member of Samaritan Ministries’ Health Care Sharing

As One of the Nation’s Leading Health Care Sharing Ministries, Samaritan Welcomes New Members All Year Long

 

PEORIA, Ill.—Amid the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, the shortened Affordable Care Act open enrollment period has already come and gone, even if some may not have noticed. Uncertainty about the status of the individual mandate and the ensuing penalties for those who do not purchase health insurance may have also caused indecision for many.

But regardless of potential changes in the government health care laws—and the fact that the open enrollment deadline has passed in all but eight states—Samaritan Ministries International (samaritanministries.org) is still accepting new members, now and all year long.

For 23 years as one of the leading health care sharing ministries in America, Samaritan Ministries has remained steadfast in its mission—to enable Christians to help one another with their health care needs, as the Bible instructs in Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (ESV).

“Hardly a day goes by without a health care-related headline that may cause Americans to wonder about potential changes in their own health care,” said Anthony Hopp, Samaritan’s vice president of external relations. “But we are happy and blessed to say that the mission of Samaritan Ministries has not wavered since its founding nearly a quarter-century ago. Today, more than 240,000 individual members bear one another’s burdens each month, praying, and sending notes and cards, and financial gifts to other members with needs, to help them pay their medical bills. And even though the open enrollment period has closed for most of the country, Samaritan welcomes new members year-round. We encourage those who have been undecided about health care sharing to make 2018 the year they will take to heart the positive feedback from Samaritan members, and join the Samaritan family.”

Even though health insurance premiums are increasing rapidly around the country, the share amounts Samaritan members were asked to send for December and January were 5 percent lower than November’s—good news for Samaritan’s 74,000 member households.

Earlier this year, Samaritan Ministries  introduced a new membership level, Samaritan Basic, which offers a lower monthly share amount coupled with a higher initial unshared amount, giving both current and potential members another way to make the best health care sharing choice for their families—and their budgets.

Monthly shares for Samaritan Basic start as low as $100 for one person, $200 for two people and $250 for a family of any size, depending on age. Some guidelines differ between Samaritan Basic and Samaritan Classic; contact Samaritan Ministries for details or visit this link.

Members regularly communicate with Samaritan about their positive experiences with health care sharing:

• “My son was injured resulting in him becoming a paraplegic. Samaritan has been a steady support for our family since Day One. We have received hundreds of encouraging notes and shares from members to cover months of hospital and rehabilitation. Because of Samaritan, we were able to access care out of state. That would not have been possible with insurance network plans. We praise God for Samaritan Ministries!”—Sandra, Oklahoma
• “It was very humbling when we started receiving the shares and notes of encouragement in response to our need. God is our provider, but He used the Samaritan members to meet our need! It’s one thing to read about the body of Christ coming together to meet needs, and know that is the Biblical way, BUT, when it actually happens to you and you are on the receiving end, it is very humbling! We are so thankful! What a blessing being part of Samaritan Ministries is!”—Samuel and Jennifer, Arkansas
• “After 2+ years with Samaritan, we have had our first medical need. Process has been smooth and encouraging. Great ministry. Thanks for this healthcare option. We have recommended y’all since the start but now that recommendation carries a bit more weight since we have seen the process all the way through.”—Jeremy, Texas
• “I appreciate the friendliness of the Samaritan Ministries staff whenever I make a phone call. You all are setting a godly testimony/example and it is a blessing to witness! I also want to say that we have been blessed in that Samaritan covers everything for our maternity needs! We are saving money by participating in Samaritan rather than insurance! I thank God for this ministry!”—Natalie, Mississippi

Each month, 74,000 member households—240,000-plus individuals—pray and send notes, cards and monthly financial shares directly to other families, along with notes and cards of encouragement and prayers. In this way, Samaritan members share $25 million in medical needs each month through an effective, affordable and God-honoring ministry for Christian families.

Learn more about Samaritan Ministries International here; visit the Samaritan website at www.samaritanministries.org, or follow the ministry on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

 

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