Members of Samaritan Ministries can usually have needs shared for alternative and complementary treatments typically not covered by health insurance

April 5, 2022

PEORIA, Ill. — Dissatisfied when his expensive health insurance didn’t cover many treatments that he needed, Dr. Eric Zielinski (“Dr. Z”) began searching for better health care solutions. He discovered Samaritan Ministries International (Samaritan).

Dr. Z suffered from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, thoughts of suicide, and substance abuse. His wife, “Mama Z,” struggled with an eating disorder and was on 10 prescription medications at one point. After giving their lives to Christ, they believe He took them on a journey of healing and freedom that they are still enjoying today.

“To be unhealthy or unwell emotionally, mentally, or physically is to be vulnerable at the deepest level of your humanity,” Dr. Z stated.

Dr. Z is the author of the international bestselling books “The Healing Power of Essential Oils” and “The Essential Oils Diet,” executive producer of the documentary “The Hope for Breast Cancer,” and creator of the “Essential Oils for Abundant Living Masterclass.” He and Mama Z founded NaturalLivingFamily.com in 2014, which has become the most visited website devoted to Bible health and non-branded essential oil education in the world, now drawing more than half a million visitors each month.

Recently the Zielinskis released “The Essential Oils Apothecary: Advanced Strategies and Protocols for Chronic Disease and Conditions.” The new book includes over 150 practical recipes for applying essential oils to the treatment and symptom management of 25 chronic illnesses, including insomnia, libido, fibromyalgia, COPD, anxiety, depression, diabetes, dementia and more.

The Zielinskis were introduced to Samaritan through a friend whose wife had a breast cancer scare. The support the couple received through letters and cards sent by other members was so moving that Dr. Z decided to research it for himself and his family and decided it was what they wanted.

“You don’t get that support from the medical system or from health insurance,” Dr. Z says. “That’s why I don’t belong to insurance. You’re helping organize something that is impossible for any one person to do. It’s beautiful.”

Dr. Z also points out that discounts given by medical providers to cash-pay patients save Samaritan members money. He received a 60 percent discount for his son’s stitches because he paid with cash. Also, the Zielinskis paid very little out of pocket with the birth of their fourth child, Bella.

“We need to have the mind of Christ, led by the Holy Spirit, to make these decisions for life,” Dr. Z. says. “This is so key to why I’m such a big proponent of Samaritan.”

While he was earning a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, he wrote a series of public health reports on essential oils, studied aromatherapy and decided to take his health education to a broader audience online.

“I’m here to reach people for Christ and to educate people on Biblical health principles,” Dr. Z says. “I had no idea God would use oils as the tool to motivate them to change their lives for the better.”

“The Zielinskis embody the kind of innovative thinking that is transforming health care,” says Anthony Hopp, vice president and chief purpose officer of Samaritan Ministries International. “Samaritan is pleased that our members have the opportunity to seek alternative and complementary treatments, such as essential oils.”

Essential oils are a major part of alternative health care in the United States and around the world. More than $18.5 billion is spent on them worldwide, according to Grand View Research. Known as “the essential oil guy,” Dr. Zielinski doesn’t market or endorse any brand. He provides quality educational materials that use an evidence-based approach.

The cost of alternative and complementary treatments can usually be shared by Samaritan members when they are less invasive or less costly than proposed conventional treatments for illness or injury.

“If you have a licensed medical provider who is suggesting a particular path,” Hopp says, “it most likely will be shareable. Samaritan members can submit share requests regarding oils in limited amounts when prescribed by a licensed provider to treat a medical condition in limited amounts.”

Samaritan Ministries currently has a membership of 283,217 individuals from 85,173 households.

The ministryhas 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 traditional insurance.

Samaritan gives people of Biblical faith an effective, Bible-driven health care community in which approximately $30 million in medical needs is shared person to person every month. Over the past 27 years, Samaritan Ministries members have shared more than $3 billion in needs while also praying for and encouraging fellow members through personal notes, cards and letters.

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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