{"id":7781,"date":"2025-09-25T09:00:29","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T13:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chministries.org\/?p=7781"},"modified":"2025-09-26T15:19:23","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T19:19:23","slug":"is-it-biblical-to-share-healthcare-costs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chministries.org\/blog\/is-it-biblical-to-share-healthcare-costs\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it biblical to share healthcare costs?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Americans face increasing financial stress from costly health insurance. But did you know there\u2019s a faith-based alternative? Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) helps believers save money by sharing the burden of medical bills with other like-minded Christians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re new to the concept of CHM\u2019s health cost sharing ministry, you may be wondering if it\u2019s biblical to share eligible health expenses through a Christian non-profit. This is a good question, and an important one! Here\u2019s how the Bible informs everything CHM does as a ministry:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does \u201cburden\u201d mean in the Bible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CHM\u2019s mission is to support others in bearing burdens. The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6:2 [ESV] that we are called to \u201cbear one another\u2019s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The word \u201cburden\u201d has many applications but often implies a heavy load or difficult duty. For many people, that may look like chronic pain, illness, financial debt, a challenging marriage, or a stressful job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burdens have a spiritual aspect, too. In Matthew 11:28\u201330 [ESV], Jesus urges, \u201cCome to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Gospel lifts the burden of the Law off our souls, awakening us to new life in Christ. Yet worldly cares still weigh us down. Many believers endure the gravity of suffering with a longing for renewal. With that in mind, CHM looks at burdens beyond the physical aspect\u2014we also care for members spiritually in their hardest times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Church history and the biblical model for cost-sharing<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

CHM\u2019s ministry isn\u2019t built like a traditional health insurance company. What we do is a direct call from Jesus\u2019 teachings and the example of early Christians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what does the Bible say about cost-sharing? To find out, we have to look at the second chapter of Acts. The early church in those days grew fast, while facing plenty of need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poverty challenged many members of the assembly, so fellow Christians stepped up in big ways to support each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Acts 2:44-45 [ESV], Luke records, \u201cAnd all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This special moment in the history of the church showed what believers can accomplish through the power of the Holy Spirit. By working together and giving selflessly, the needs of others were met. CHM follows in that example by allowing Christians to support each other through voluntary giving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every CHM member contribution is used to satisfy other members\u2019 medical bills. This allows our community to receive support for their eligible expenses on a regular basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Scripture on community: Christians caring for others<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The concept of community in the Bible, specifically in the New Testament, is rooted in the local church. But that doesn\u2019t limit caring and giving to our immediate congregation. Because all believers have the spirit of Christ, we serve Him directly when we care for any fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In Matthew 25:35-36,40 [ESV], Jesus states, \u201cFor I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me\u2019\u2026And the King will answer them, \u2018Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Christians, we are part of a larger global church with many needs! CHM seeks to connect believers across the nation by enabling them to support each other through our ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why health cost sharing reflects God\u2019s design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many ways for Christians to take care of each other. While the Bible doesn\u2019t command a \u201ccost-sharing\u201d model for the Church, CHM exists to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n