Podcast Episode Details

Missed Open Enrollment, No Problem With Lauren Gajdek

Episode 310

Lauren Gajdek is Vice President of Communications and Media at Christian Healthcare Ministries, an underwriter of this program.

WHY IS CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES A LIFESAVER FOR THOSE WHO MISSED THE OPEN ENROLLMENT DEADLINE?

Lauren explains that Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) operates differently from traditional insurance companies, allowing people to join at any time of the year without waiting for an open enrollment season. This flexibility makes CHM accessible for those who have missed enrollment deadlines.

• CHM allows joining anytime.
• It operates on a biblical concept of sharing resources among members.
• CHM has shared over $10 billion in members' medical bills, demonstrating its extensive support network.

HOW DOES CHM DIFFER FROM TRADITIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

CHM is a medical cost-sharing organization, not an insurance company. It's based on a biblical concept where believers pool resources to ensure no one is left in need. Lauren emphasizes that CHM's approach has enabled the sharing of substantial amounts of medical bills, providing a reliable alternative to traditional health insurance.

• CHM is a medical cost-sharing organization inspired by biblical principles.
• It emphasizes mutual support among members, replicating the early church's resource sharing.
• CHM's long history and significant bill-sharing reflect its effectiveness and reliability.

WHAT ARE THE COST BENEFITS OF CHM COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE?

Lauren highlights the affordability of CHM, with membership costs ranging from $92 to $267 per month for an individual, regardless of health history, age, or weight. She points out that CHM's 'personal responsibility' costs, similar to deductibles, are significantly lower than high insurance deductibles, making it an affordable option.

• CHM offers affordable membership rates, unrelated to personal health factors.
• It provides a financially viable alternative to high-deductible health insurance plans.
• The 'personal responsibility' cost in CHM is capped annually, enhancing its affordability.

WHAT IS THE SPIRITUAL COMPONENT OF CHM?

The spiritual aspect of CHM, as Lauren explains, is based on Galatians 6:2, focusing on bearing each other's burdens. This spiritual support is manifested through prayer, encouragement, and being a part of a larger Christian community, adding a significant dimension to the financial assistance CHM provides.

• CHM emphasizes spiritual support alongside financial assistance.
• Members engage in prayer and encouragement, strengthening communal bonds.
• The ministry operates under the principle of bearing each other's burdens as a reflection of Christ's teachings.

For more information or to explore joining CHM, visitChristian Health Care Ministries or call 800-791-6225.

ON TODAY’S PROGRAM, ROB ANSWERS LISTENER QUESTIONS:

• I have a $79,000 annuity with an insurance company and am considering rolling it over into my IRA for better returns, but I'm unsure if it's a good idea.
• Is debt consolidation worth it, and can you recommend any companies for it?
• As a military veteran with a head injury and recent widower, I'm unsure about filing a special tax return; what should I do?
• I had hail damage to my roof and a roofing company wants to replace it, but I can't afford the $2,000 deductible. Is it proper or legal to find another company that can offset this amount?
• I own my home and recently sold some real estate for about $750,000. I'm interested in other investment properties but didn't file the proper form for a 1031 exchang

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  Published on 1 year, 11 months ago