NPR Examines Health Groups Established by Evangelical Christians

March 12, 2010 — NPR's "Morning Edition" examined evangelical Christian health groups that share the cost of medical bills among members instead of purchasing traditional health insurance plans, many of which cover services that go against evangelical beliefs. For example, a plan operated by Samaritan Ministries charges an annual $170 fee to cover administrative costs, according to James Lansberry, vice president of the group. The plan combines the cost of all members' medical bills and tells participants where to mail checks to cover other members' costs. According to Lansberry, the money "goes directly from one family to another."

"Morning Edition" reports that "[r]eligion is a large part of Samaritan's business model." The group does not pay for abortion services, and participants must submit a signed note from a pastor to join. In addition, if a member contracts a sexually transmitted infection from someone other than his or her spouse, the plan will not cover the treatment of the STI or any related costs.

Samaritan does not guarantee that an individual's bill will be paid, and the group is not regulated by the government. Samaritan's main plan imposes a $100,000 cap on overall costs.

Samaritan and similar groups are closely monitoring the health reform debate to see whether they would be considered exempt from a requirement that all U.S. residents purchase health insurance. If an exemption is not included, members could have little incentive to continue contributing to group costs, "Morning Edition" reports (Brady, "Morning Edition," NPR, 3/12).