Faith-Based Insurance: How DFW Families Can Reduce Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses
Health care costs are rising fast, especially for families. In Dallas and Fort Worth, families are facing deductibles as high as $5,000 or more per year, and monthly premiums can sometimes compete with mortgage payments. That’s why many families are exploring alternatives to traditional health insurance, including faith-based health plans. These plans, sometimes called health care sharing ministries (HCSMs), offer a community-based approach to medical expenses while often cutting down out-of-pocket costs significantly. But are they right for you? Let’s break it down.
What Is Faith-Based Insurance?
Faith-based insurance isn’t technically insurance, it’s a community of like-minded individuals or families who agree to share each other’s medical costs. Members typically pay a monthly “share” rather than a premium. These organizations are not-for-profit and are often built around religious values, usually Christianity. The most well-known include Medi-Share, Christian Healthcare Ministries, and Samaritan Ministries.
According to the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries, over 1.5 million Americans are members of health care sharing ministries as of 2023. While these aren’t governed by state insurance departments, they are legal and exempt from the Affordable Care Act’s insurance mandate.
Lower Monthly Costs for Dallas-Fort Worth Families
One of the biggest reasons DFW families consider faith-based health plans is the cost. For example, a traditional family insurance plan in Texas might cost $1,500/month in premiums alone. By contrast, many faith-based plans cost under $500/month for a family of four.
In addition to lower monthly shares, many of these plans include a per-incident deductible or “unshareable amount” instead of an annual deductible. That means your financial responsibility for a single medical event is often capped, which can lead to big savings during a serious illness or accident.
What Do Faith-Based Plans Typically Cover?
Most plans cover the following, provided the care aligns with the organization’s shared values:
- Doctor visits and hospital stays
- Emergency care
- Surgery and anesthesia
- Maternity and childbirth
- Prescriptions (usually discounts, not full coverage)
- Labs and imaging
That said, preventive care (like annual checkups or vaccines) and mental health services are often excluded or limited. Always read the guidelines of the specific ministry before enrolling.
Shared Beliefs and Lifestyle Requirements
Faith-based insurance programs usually require members to agree to certain beliefs and commit to specific lifestyle choices. This may include avoiding tobacco, illegal drugs, or excessive alcohol, and living by Biblical principles. These commitments help the plan control costs by promoting healthy behavior.
Some plans also ask members to pray for each other and even send notes of encouragement along with monthly share payments. For families in Dallas and Fort Worth who already participate in church communities, this value-aligned approach can be a welcome change from impersonal insurance systems.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Waiting Periods
Here’s where it gets a little tricky. Many faith-based plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions right away. Some may offer phased-in coverage over time, while others limit or exclude chronic conditions entirely. This makes them a better fit for healthy families or those who don’t have extensive medical histories.
Waiting periods are also common. For example, maternity costs may only be covered if the mother becomes pregnant after a certain number of months on the plan.
How Cost Sharing Works
Each month, your “share” goes toward paying another member’s medical bills. You’ll receive a notice of whose bill you’re covering, and sometimes you’ll send your payment directly to them.
When you have a medical need, you pay the unshareable amount first (like a deductible). After that, eligible bills are submitted to the ministry, which then uses other members’ contributions to help cover your costs. This system is built on trust, faith, and transparency.
Comparing Traditional Insurance vs. Faith-Based Plans
| Feature | Traditional Insurance | Faith-Based Insurance |
| Regulated by the Government | Yes | No |
| Monthly Cost | High | Lower |
| Deductibles | Annual | Per-incident |
| Pre-Existing Condition Coverage | Yes (after waiting) | Often limited or excluded |
| Coverage for Preventive Care | Yes | Usually no |
| Freedom to Choose Providers | Sometimes restricted | Often nationwide/flexible |
If your family is mostly healthy and you’re looking to reduce monthly expenses, the lower premiums and flexible structure of a faith-based plan may work well. But if someone in your household has a chronic condition, traditional insurance may still be the safer option.
Texas and Faith-Based Plan Acceptance
Texas does not regulate health care sharing ministries as insurance companies, meaning these organizations have more freedom in how they operate. That also means they are not required to comply with ACA coverage mandates like maternity care or mental health services.
However, many hospitals and providers in the DFW area are familiar with these plans. Ministries typically provide members with a card they can present at appointments, and some will negotiate bills directly with providers on your behalf.
Things to Consider Before Signing Up
- Budget: Are you willing to take on more upfront costs for lower monthly payments?
- Values: Do the ministry’s values match your family’s?
- Health History: Are you generally healthy and without chronic conditions?
- Plan Rules: Have you carefully read the sharing guidelines?
Also, keep in mind that these plans do not guarantee payment. While many have long-standing reputations, they’re not legally obligated to cover your bills.
Real-World Savings in the DFW Area
Many families in Dallas and Fort Worth have already switched to faith-based plans and saved thousands. According to CHM testimonials, families report saving 30–60% annually compared to what they paid in traditional premiums. Some even use these savings to invest in supplemental dental or vision plans.
Supplementing with Other Coverage
Since some services may be limited, families often pair a faith-based plan with:
- A standalone dental or vision plan
- Accident or critical illness policies
- Direct Primary Care (DPC) memberships
This approach allows you to control costs while still ensuring your family has access to everyday and emergency care when needed.
Wrapping Up
Faith-based health plans aren’t for everyone, but for many DFW families looking to cut healthcare costs while aligning coverage with their values, they’re worth exploring. With the right plan, you could reduce your monthly expenses and still have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your medical bills won’t drain your savings.
Looking to cut medical costs while staying protected in Dallas–Fort Worth? Call HealthGuys at 866-438-4325 to explore your faith-based health plan options today.