Seniors Live By Faith, Sharing Medical Bills with Strangers Across the U.S.

First Faith-based Program Available to Assist Seniors with Medigap Expenses

MELBOURNE, Fla., July 13, 2011—This month, Christian Care Ministry announces a faith-based program designed specifically to assist seniors with expenses not paid by Medicare. Medi-Share Senior Assist is a healthcare sharing program where members share financial resources to pay each other's medical expenses not covered, or only partially covered, by Medicare. For 18 years, Medi-Share members have shared more than $435 million in bills. Now with Medi-Share Senior Assist, those 65 and older can share medical bills in a unique way that best fits their needs as they age.

Some 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 today and every day for the next 20 years. Deciding how to manage their healthcare costs - many on a fixed and limited income - will be no easy task for most of them. Though the options can be overwhelming, many seniors are turning to their faith for guidance.

"For the past 11 years, I've had bills shared with Medi-Share members for several health issues, including many emergency visits," said Raymond Roberts. "As I prepare to turn 65 in a few months, I've been considering my options and decided on Medi-Share Senior Assist because it allows me to be part of a community of people like myself who are supporting each other financially and prayerfully through the challenges of aging."

Medi-Share Senior Assist, a program of Christian Care Ministry, offers like-minded seniors the opportunity to pray for and encourage each other, promote healthy living and share each other’s healthcare costs. And because members share a common set of religious beliefs, they do not contribute to medical expenses related to medical misfortunes resulting from lifestyle choices that run contrary to biblical values. Regardless of age and health issues that may occur, all Medi-Share Senior Assist members contribute the same amount each month.

"We understand many baby boomers are facing retirement with underfunded pension funds and not enough savings," said Tony Meggs, president of Christian Care Ministry. "Medi-Share Senior Assist allows seniors the opportunity to participate in a program that assists them with their healthcare expenses not paid by Medicare. It is an option that is good for their pocketbooks and operates according to their beliefs."

Interview Opportunities:

• Medi-Share Senior Assist members
• President of Christian Care Ministry, Tony Meggs

Since it began in 1993, Medi-Share has been successful in facilitating the sharing of medical costs, with more than $435 million in medical costs shared by members. Due to its large network of providers, members have also saved an additional $115 million in discounted medical costs.

Medi-Share Senior Assist is not health insurance since its members remain ultimately responsible for their own medical bills and there is no pooling of funds as practiced by insurance groups. For more details about Medi-Share Senior Assist, see the guidelines and frequently asked questions.

Christian Care Ministry has provided biblical healthcare solutions for 18 years. More than just healthcare, it is a community of people who pray for and encourage one another, and a team of professionals who promote and support living a healthy, biblical lifestyle through programs: Medi-Share, Medi-Share Senior Assist, Restore, Manna and Healthy Church.

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