**News Release***
Member Retention Historically Between 85% and 90% at Samaritan Ministries International
Member Comments Also Point to High Level of Satisfaction
PEORIA, Ill.—Member retention is routinely between 85 and 90 percent for Samaritan Ministries International (samaritanministries.org), one of the leading health care sharing ministries in America.
This is very high within the general health care landscape in America. For instance, a late 2017 survey conducted by CVS Health and released at the Forbes Healthcare Summit found that most people in the United States think the country’s health care system is headed in the wrong direction and in need of reform. For the national survey of 2,200 adults, over half (56 percent) said they feel the U.S. health care system does not work for them; 73 percent said it is need of reform, while another 41 percent said it is getting worse, not better.
“Whether a part of our ministry for just a year or for many years, we find that the overwhelming majority of our members are happy,” said Anthony Hopp, vice president of external relations for Samaritan Ministries. “In the world of customer service, this is not the norm, whether considering coffee service, a hotel or even health insurance. But Samaritan members regularly report that they are not only happy with the way health care sharing has worked for them, but how it has transformed their budgets and allowed them to become more engaged members of the Body of Christ by sharing medical needs within a larger Biblical community.”
And this Biblical community is significant in its reach, with 77,000 member households and more than a quarter of a million individuals. In fact, from 2007 through 2017, Samaritan Ministries members have shared $1.2 billion in health care needs, with about $27 million in medical needs currently being shared person-to-person between members each month.
While sending monthly financial shares directly to other member families, these 251,000-plus members also pray and send notes and cards of encouragement through this effective, affordable and God-honoring ministry. For the 23 years of Samaritan Ministries’ existence, the monthly financial share has never exceeded $495 for a family of any size and is even less for couples and singles.
Many Samaritan members who have been involved with the ministry for several years or more report continued satisfaction and blessing.
“We have used Samaritan for about seven years now,” said Justin and Lora from Iowa. “Any time we have had a need, it has been handled quickly and easily. The notes and prayers are a great blessing! We are very thankful for a Christian ministry to help with our medical needs!”
Russell and Kim from Michigan said they are thankful God led them to Samaritan Ministries.
“We had never been involved in a health care sharing ministry, but after having been a part of it for several years now, we wish we’d known about it and joined sooner,” they said. “Thank you for all you do to make this ministry what it is—Christians helping each other.”
Shannon from Idaho said that every experience she’s had with Samaritan has been positive.
“I continue to tell everyone I know about this wonderful ministry,” she said. “After years of negative experiences with insurance companies, it is such a blessing to have Samaritan in my life!”
Tol from Tennessee also reported that his family has had nothing but good results since joining Samaritan more than 14 years ago.
“We’ve had to share too many needs—cataracts, hernia surgeries, pancreas surgery, physical therapy—and all has been taken care of quickly and expeditiously,” he said. “We heartily recommend Samaritan Ministries.”
Tamara from Alaska said she also loves Samaritan and has been “totally satisfied.”
“Been a member for over five years, last year had two needs within three months of each other and both were met in a timely manner,” she said. “Love sending my check and praying for others. So blessed by this ministry.
Laura from Missouri says that after seven years she is still amazed at how the family in Christ cares for one another through Samaritan Ministries.
“No, it’s not insurance,” Laura said. “It’s health care. It’s Galatians 6:2 in action. I am convinced that [our daughter’s] amazing recovery has not just been her hard work, but also all the prayers and the fact that we never had to wait for approval from an insurance company to follow doctor’s orders. We couldn’t be more thankful and blessed!”
Samaritan Ministries offers two membership levels, Samaritan Classic and Samaritan Basic. Samaritan Basic has a lower monthly share coupled with a higher initial unshared amount than Samaritan Classic. This gives both present and future members two options for choosing what they believe is best 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.
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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