{"id":1551,"date":"2023-10-30T19:13:36","date_gmt":"2023-10-31T00:13:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chministries.org\/?p=1551"},"modified":"2026-01-06T18:44:47","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T23:44:47","slug":"after-you-join","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chministries.org\/blog\/after-you-join\/","title":{"rendered":"What to expect the first 30 days of your CHM membership"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Thinking about joining CHM?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a health cost sharing ministry, the way we operate is different\u2014by design! Trying something new (like joining CHM) often comes with lots of questions. That\u2019s why we’re here to help as you decide what’s best for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help you get started, here’s a quick look behind the scenes so you know what to expect in the first month of membership. We’re excited to share the cost-savings, flexibility, and prayerful encouragement CHM has to offer when you join!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting Started<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How long will it take, and when will I receive proof of my membership?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once your enrollment is complete, your membership will begin as soon as you click the \u201csubmit\u201d button on the online enrollment<\/a> or on the postmark date of your mailed enrollment (unless you have a specified future start date). You\u2019ll receive confirmation and a temporary membership number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When your information is processed, you\u2019ll receive an email containing your member number and start date. After that, once you receive this information, you\u2019ll be able to register for the Member Portal<\/a>, download your digital membership cards, submit medical bills, view the CHM Guidelines<\/a>, and more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also receive a new member Welcome Packet in the mail within a few weeks of submitting your application that will contain printed membership cards, a print copy of the CHM Guidelines, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the medical bill sharing process?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CHM members are considered self-pay, uninsured* patients<\/a>. When going for medical care, members inform healthcare providers that they\u2019re a self-pay patient, asking providers to send them itemized bills<\/a> directly and apply any available uninsured or self-pay discounts. Members then submit all eligible bills to CHM. This allows them to have a direct say in their healthcare. With CHM, there\u2019s flexibility to choose your own providers with the advantage of transparent pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the bills are submitted, the CHM staff have five tasks to complete the\u00a0medical bill sharing process.<\/a> For more information about what to do if you need medical care, visit this resource<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*CHM is not insurance. As a CHM member, you\u2019re considered uninsured if you don\u2019t have primary health insurance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I find CHM-friendly providers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because CHM doesn\u2019t restrict you to a network, members often discover higher-quality care at lower cash-pay prices. We\u2019re devoted to empowering members to find quality healthcare service at an affordable price. CHM has staff that specialize in building relationships with healthcare providers and pre-negotiating discounts\u2014allowing accessible, quality care at competitive cash-pay prices. The resources section of the Member Portal<\/a> also has a search feature for finding CHM-friendly providers nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s also the option to use our help in selecting a provider for certain medical events (maternity, non-emergency surgical procedures, or cancer). Learn more about CHM Care Solutions that are included as part of CHM membership here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as the expenses are eligible for sharing within CHM Guidelines, the healthcare provider options are countless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do you use different terminology?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CHM is a spiritual covenant relationship with fellow Christians\u2014not a contractual obligation. Covenants are found throughout the Bible both between God and His people, and His people in covenant with each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a health cost-sharing ministry (not insurance) we use terms that reflect our mission. These terms further demonstrate how we\u2019re able to minister to the Body of Christ more effectively. You can find a helpful glossary of our most commonly used terms here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the language may feel unfamiliar at first, most members quickly find it reflects the heart of how CHM serves them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What else should I know about CHM membership?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here are some actions we highly recommend for members in the first 30 days after joining:<\/p>\n\n\n\n