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Take Charge of Your Healthcare with Lauren Gajdek
Episode 503
If you think there’s only one way to pay for healthcare, maybe it’s time to think outside the box of health insurance.
Of course, health insurance is a great thing to have, but is it necessarily the best way to pay for healthcare costs? Lauren Gajdek joins us today to discuss medical cost sharing and how it might be a better option.
Lauren Gajdek is the Vice President of Communications and Media at Christian Healthcare Ministries, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.
What Are People Looking for in Healthcare?
Many people are searching for options beyond traditional health insurance. CHM members often seek three key elements:
- Freedom to Choose Providers: Members value the ability to select their healthcare providers, especially those they trust, without being restricted by a network.
- Faith-Aligned Solutions: They want a healthcare solution that aligns with their Christian beliefs, which can be hard to find in conventional insurance plans.
- Lower Costs: Cost is a major factor, and many people are looking for more affordable ways to manage their medical expenses.
CHM meets these needs by offering a healthcare solution that allows members to choose their providers and emphasizes a biblical approach to sharing medical expenses.
Flexibility in Choosing Providers
One significant difference with CHM is that it does not restrict members to a specific network of providers. This freedom is especially valuable in emergencies or when traveling, allowing members to access care without worrying about whether a provider is “in-network.”
While they can assist members in finding cost-effective providers for planned procedures, the final choice remains with the member, offering a level of autonomy that traditional insurance often lacks.
How Does Medical Cost Sharing Work?
Medical cost sharing through CHM allows members greater control over their healthcare decisions. Unlike traditional insurance, no pre-approvals are required. If a medical expense falls within their guidelines, it becomes eligible for sharing among the membership. This means that decisions about care are made by the doctor and the patient without the bureaucracy typically associated with insurance.