We regularly hear some version of this question:
“Are there alternatives to Obamacare?”
Some people ask because their monthly costs in Obamacare are really high (and they aren’t eligible for subsidies). Some people ask on more philosophical, conscience-driven grounds. Sometimes people are looking for the cheapest way to avoid being fined for not having qualified coverage.
Our answer typically involved short-term health insurance. While that’s cheaper and works well for some people, it doesn’t satisfy the Obamacare mandate (and thus you have to factor in the fines into the cost).
Now we’re glad to have another option – one that includes an exemption from the Obamacare mandate.
Health Sharing Ministries
Tucked away in the Affordable Care Act, there’s a provision that exempts members of certain health sharing organizations from having to participate in Obamacare. Organizations who can trace their operations back to 1999 or earlier qualify.
Health sharing ministries are faith-based alternatives to insurance, where members agree to pay one another’s qualified medical bills. While there is no legal guarantee of coverage – members are considered “self-pay” patients – these ministries have a long track record of working well for members.
We are glad to announce that we are now partnering with Altrua Health Share as a certified representative in order to provide interested clients another viable option.
Altrua won’t be a fit for everyone, but we believe some of our customers will be very interested in participating because the cost of participating is generally a lot lower than a (non-subsidized) individual health insurance plan. (And remember – Altrua members are exempt from the Obamacare mandate and fines).
And you can join at any time (i.e. there’s no open enrollment period).
We’ll be posting much more in terms of details and important considerations. Of course you’re welcome to contact us to learn more, see costs and membership levels, and answer any other questions you have.