Do Christian medical

sharing ministries
really save you money?
Some ministries looking for lower-cost health coverage are considering Christian medical sharing plans. While the monthly
cost of a Christian sharing ministry can be less than traditional insurance coverage, the trade-off is these plans leave
employees exposed to significant financial and medical risks.

For example, let’s compare the out-of-pocket costs and benefits of the average health sharing ministry with the benefits of
GuideStone’s low-cost Value Health 5000 PPO Plan.

BENEFIT SHARING MINISTRIES* GUIDESTONE VALUE HEALTH 5000 PPO PLAN

Deductible Deductible repeats for Deductible administered on

each incident an annual basis

Preventive services Not covered 100% coverage

Not covered or covered
Physician office visits
with significant limitations
Not covered or covered with
Prescription drugs
significant limitations
First three visits covered with a $60/$70 co-
pay; then deductible and co-insurance apply
Covered with a $25/$50 co-pay
after deductible

Co-insurance Amounts not guaranteed, After deductible applies, then

varies illness to illness remains constant

Pre-existing conditions No coverage or substantial Covered

Enrollment of new
employees
Morality clause
Notable limitations
Out-of-pocket exposure
limits on when coverage begins
Underwriting may apply
Claims can be denied based
on behavior
Diabetes, pregnancy, high blood pressure,
high cholesterol and services not in line
with biblical convictions (e.g., abortion)
Greater exposure due to lack of network
discounts and maximum out-of-pocket limits
Allowed during annual open enrollment
and/or at a qualifying event
No morality clauses
Services not in line with biblical convictions
(e.g., abortion)
Limited to $6,350 person/$12,700 family for
treatment within the Blue Cross Blue Shield
network

*Christian sharing plan benefits vary. These comparisons are for educational
purposes only. Consult the individual sharing plan’s policy for details.
GUIDESTONE’S VALUE HEALTH 5000 PPO PLAN
An alternative to a Christian medical sharing ministry, this low-cost plan offers exceptional coverage at low monthly
rates. Our economy PPO plan is the right choice for healthy people looking for comprehensive coverage at a lower
monthly rate.

Value Health 5000 is the best fit for:

People who primarily see their doctor for preventive care.

Families looking for protection from the full cost of a catastrophic claim.

Individuals who need a lower-cost plan.

VALUE HEALTH 5000 PPO MONTHLY PREMIUM ESTIMATE

Average 25-year-old employee-only $196 per month

Average 25-year-old employee + spouse $412 per month

*Rates will vary depending on your group’s age and health experiences.

» See if Value Health 5000 is right for you: GuideStone.org/VH5000

» Read the Value Health 5000 Summary of Benefits and Coverage: GuideStone.org/VH5000Summary

GUIDESTONE:

Insurance Plans with a

GuideStone has served those who serve the Lord since 1918. And nearly 100 years later, we remain committed to
bringing value to your ministry and its employees without compromising your Christian values.

GuideStone offers a variety of group plan options for health, life and dental coverage to churches and ministries with as
few as two employees. Our plans provide complete coverage at an exceptional price for your employees and their families.

Explore all plan options at GuideStoneInsurance.org.

If you have any questions, contact a GuideStone insurance representative.

Email: InsuranceSolutions@GuideStone.org
Phone: 1-888-98-GUIDE (1-888-984-8433)
Monday through Friday between
7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CST

© 2016 GuideStone Financial Resources 27870 06/16