Samaritan members shared more than $95 million in health care needs for heart patients in a five-year period

September 27, 2022

PEORIA, Ill. — Thursday, September 29, is World Heart Day — a day to remember that more people die every year worldwide from heart disease than from any other illness according to the World Heart Federation. It’s also a day to support those who are currently fighting a cardiovascular disease.

“At Samaritan Ministries, our members have shared more than $97 million within a five-year period, assisting other members with cardiovascular-related health care needs,” said Anthony Hopp, chief purpose officer of Samaritan Ministries International (Samaritan, samaritanministries.org). “In 2021 alone, Samaritan members shared $17.8 million in heart-related health needs.”

Cardiovascular disease consistently has produced one of the largest numbers of share requests at Samaritan. In fact, heart-related sharing is second only to cancer needs, which accounted for more than $166 million in shares over the same five-year period.

“Over our nearly 28-year history, tens of thousands of grateful cardiovascular patients and their families have been helped by the generosity, caring messages and prayers from other Samaritan members,” Hopp said. “We are privileged to offer this Christ-honoring way of connecting like-minded patients to share medical needs.”

Cardiovascular disease is the world’s most prevalent cause of death, resulting in 18.6 million deaths a year. Of these deaths, 85% are due to coronary heart diseases (e.g., heart attacks) and cerebrovascular diseases (e.g., strokes).

The condition is exacerbated by many causes: smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and air pollution, as well as some less-common conditions such as Chagas disease and cardiac amyloidosis.

“Members of Samaritan are blessed to be able to come alongside families struggling with heart issues such as heart attacks, heart disease, and related illnesses, and help connect them with fellow believers who can help share their burdens,” Hopp said. “We often hear from members about how they have been blessed or have been able to bless others.”

Michael and Andrea of California shared:

“We have both had some major health challenges in 2020. Mike had a heart attack and Andrea had optic nerve issues. Without medical insurance, and generally enjoying good health for many years, we did not know exactly what to expect in paying for these problems. We negotiated discounts with providers. Samaritan has been a joy to work with, and members have blessed us with funds, well-wishes, and prayers. God is very good!”

Theresa from Missouri wrote:

“Samaritan Ministries has been a huge blessing in our lives. We had several needs met in 2019, including a large one for my husband’s heart attacks and surgery. Hundreds of cards and checks poured in. We have shed many tears over the generosity and compassion of our fellow Samaritan brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Eddye from Texas said:

“Because of the Samaritan dashboard’s health resources, I was able to have a heart echo and chest X-ray at a discounted rate. What savings! Thanks for keeping the members informed!!!”

John and Jacqueline from Washington State wrote:

“We love being able to share the needs of others. It’s the biblical pattern … thank you for this opportunity.”

Samaritan has a membership of 281,602 individuals from 83,361 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.  

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