‘This is why Samaritan is different from health insurance; it’s a way to share not only medical costs but also encouragement and prayers’

November 28, 2022

PEORIA, Ill. — This year, as Americans celebrate more than 400 years of Thanksgiving traditions, members of Samaritan Ministries International (samaritanministries.org) have an additional reason to be thankful — they get to share not only health care expenses but also the love of Jesus with other members.

Kyle and Colleen of Montgomery, Illinois, joined Samaritan Ministries in 2011, a few months after the birth of their first son. Working for a small church, Kyle was discouraged by the amount of money the church spent on medical insurance for his young family. He started exploring health care sharing as an affordable approach and discovered Samaritan Ministries.

“Our needs are being met and we are receiving in many ways, but we’re also able to meet the needs of others and, in doing so, we’re living out that Biblical reality of generosity and serving one another,” Kyle said.

“This is why membership in Samaritan is different from using health insurance; it’s a way to share not only medical costs but also encouragement and prayers with our fellow Christian health care sharing members,” said Anthony Hopp, chief purpose officer of Samaritan Ministries International.

As Kyle and Colleen, who now have four children, have moved around the country, their membership in Samaritan has been a continual blessing. Colleen says she likes the freedom and flexibility of being able to choose a doctor they can trust — wherever they call home — with their medical issues, especially when it comes to their kids.

“It’s really a God-glorifying opportunity to partner with people who love Jesus,”Kyle said.

Other Samaritan members have also written to express their thanks.

Steve & Darla, from Ohio, wrote:

“Steve and I are so grateful for Samaritan Ministries. Thank you for this precious way of sharing needs across the nation into the Body of Christ.”

Patricia, from Washington state, shared:

“In June 2020, I developed a serious health issue that came on suddenly and has still not been resolved. My faith and trust have been tested. What I know is God is infinitely good and faithful. I am human and am grateful for His grace, mercy and lovingkindness when it all seems like too much. I’m grateful for the Body of Christ: the expression of Jesus’ hands, arms, eyes and heart on earth, compassionately and lovingly sustaining my husband and me through the difficult times. Samaritan Ministries is the tangible evidence of the love of Christ.

“Every interaction (and I do mean ‘every’) with the Samaritan Ministries staff has been positive, uplifting, helpful, and kind. I’m also so grateful for all the Samaritan Ministries members who have prayed for me, willingly shared their treasure, and have written the most exquisite notes that have uplifted my spirit. How I wish I could thank each one personally! My husband and I are forever grateful.”

Lisa, from Texas, said:

“I am so very grateful for the level of support, compassion and professionalism I have experienced with the Samaritan Ministries health share community. I have such peace of mind as I move forward with definitive treatment for my right hip joint.”

“The needs shared by our members are as varied as our uniqueness as individuals created in the image of God,” Hopp said. “At Samaritan, we are grateful for many things, including the ability to provide a way for the body of Christ to minister to one another.”

Samaritan has a membership of 275,135 individuals from 82,372 households.

Samaritan has no limited enrollment period. 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.

Samaritan Ministries health care sharingoffers additional advantages:

• No network restrictions. When medical care is needed, Samaritan members choose the health care provider, hospital, and pharmacy that work best for them.
• The direct-sharing approach allows members to not only help fellow believers with their medical financial needs but to pray for and connect with them on a regular basis.
• Monthly shares are hundreds of dollars less per month than insurance.

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