Medi-Share vs CHM

Medi-Share and Christian Healthcare Ministries solve the same problem in different ways. Medi-Share is a long-running Christian health care sharing ministry. Members select an Annual Household Portion (AHP) — the amount they cover before sharing begins — and eligible bills are shared from the community. It requires a statement of Christian faith and a lifestyle agreement. Medi-Share is not insurance; it has a large member base and an established track record, but the usual sharing caveats on pre-existing conditions and non-covered services apply. By contrast, A Christian health care sharing ministry where members share eligible medical bills according to published guidelines. Monthly shares are typically lower than unsubsidized insurance, but payment is not guaranteed and pre-existing conditions are limited. Not insurance and not ACA major medical. Below we compare them on cost, coverage, eligibility, and who each one fits best — with sources you can check.

FactorMedi-ShareCHM
Typical monthly costApprox. $200-$650/mo by household and AHP (a share, not a premium)Approx. $100-$500/mo depending on program and household
Relative cost$$·$··
CategoryHealth sharing organizationHealth sharing organization
Is it insurance?No — a membershipNo — a membership
ACA-compliant major medicalNoNo
Covers pre-existing conditionsLimitedLimited
EligibilityRequires a statement of Christian faith and lifestyle agreement.Open to members who meet faith and lifestyle guidelines.
Best forPracticing Christian households; Members wanting an established ministryFaith-aligned healthy members; People comparing sharing alternatives

Medi-Share

Medi-Share is a long-running Christian health care sharing ministry. Members select an Annual Household Portion (AHP) — the amount they cover before sharing begins — and eligible bills are shared from the community. It requires a statement of Christian faith and a lifestyle agreement. Medi-Share is not insurance; it has a large member base and an established track record, but the usual sharing caveats on pre-existing conditions and non-covered services apply.

Pros

  • Large, established community
  • Multiple AHP tiers
  • Telehealth included
  • Nationwide

Cons

  • Not insurance
  • Faith requirement
  • Pre-existing limits

CHM

A Christian health care sharing ministry where members share eligible medical bills according to published guidelines. Monthly shares are typically lower than unsubsidized insurance, but payment is not guaranteed and pre-existing conditions are limited. Not insurance and not ACA major medical.

Pros

  • Lower monthly share than many unsubsidized plans
  • Faith community model
  • Nationwide providers in many cases

Cons

  • Not insurance
  • Pre-existing limits
  • No ACA essential-benefit guarantee

Next step

Ready to see how Medi-Share and CHM price out for you?

A licensed advisor can walk through both options for your household and state. Free, no obligation.

Get matched
  • Free
  • Licensed advisor
  • About 2 minutes
  • No obligation

Frequently asked questions

Is Medi-Share or CHM cheaper?
CHM typically has the lower monthly cost (approx. $100-$500/mo depending on program and household), while Medi-Share runs higher (approx. $200-$650/mo by household and ahp (a share, not a premium)). The cheaper option is not automatically better — weigh the coverage trade-offs below.
What is the main difference between Medi-Share and CHM?
One of the largest Christian medical cost-sharing programs, organized around an Annual Household Portion. Faith-based medical cost sharing with program tiers. Not insurance.
Is Medi-Share real insurance?
No. Medi-Share is not insurance — it does not guarantee payment and typically limits pre-existing conditions. If you need the legal protections and guaranteed benefits of insurance, an ACA-compliant plan is the safer choice.

Sources