Faith-based cost-sharing seemed like an alternative to health insurance, until the childbirth bills arrived

NBC News, By Aria Bendix, on December 22, 2024

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-care/health-care-cost-sharing-ministries-maternity-childbirth-rcna170230

In this episode of The Non-Prophets, the hosts discuss the exploitation within faith-based healthcare sharing ministries (HCSMs). Helen highlights how these ministries present themselves as alternatives to traditional health insurance for religious families, only to deny critical coverage, such as maternity care within the first year of membership. This leaves many financially vulnerable, particularly those raised in purity culture, who are taught to rely solely on the church rather than secular systems. Stephen explores whether these families should have been better prepared but acknowledges the systemic barriers they face. Helen counters by emphasizing how isolation and lack of sex education in strict religious communities prevent proper financial and reproductive planning. Tracy suggests enforcing legal accountability on these ministries, while others debate the risks of intertwining government oversight with religious entities. The hosts collectively criticize the deceptive nature of these organizations, which exploit faith for profit.

The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.2.2 featuring Jimmy Jr., Tracy Wilbert, Helen Greene, and Stephen Harder

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