Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) was the first healthcare sharing ministry founded in the United States and has been serving its members since 1981. CHM is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Barberton, Ohio. Its longevity has lent it credibility and a reputation that few other HealthShares can claim.
Christian-first community
Christian Healthcare Ministries is founded on Christian values and requires members to adhere to its Statements of Beliefs, which covers topics on faith in the Bible and Jesus Christ, doctrinal disputes, and gender and sexuality. CHM members are therefore united in a commitment to help others that share their values and beliefs. CHM’s self-stated mission is to “glorify God, show Christian love, and experience God’s presence as Christians share each other’s medical bills.”
The language used to describe CHM’s HealthShare programs is rooted in Christian doctrine, where members share each other’s medica bills. Membership dues are called monthly contributions to emphasize their voluntary nature.
CHM encourages members to view one another as family and promotes social media interaction among members. The ministry’s monthly publication, Heartfelt Magazine, provides members with ministry updates, testimonials, health information, and more. Additionally, CHM Give is a program in which members with eligible medical bills can receive donations for maintained pre-existing conditions not shared through their program. Members and non-members may voluntarily donate any amount. For members, this is in addition to their regular monthly contribution, while non-members may give any amount. These donations help support the members’ medical bills through CHM Give. Members are also encouraged to pray for one another and send notes of encouragement to those in need.
Pre-existing conditions
Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) has a notable approach to helping members with pre-existing conditions. Firstly, they make a distinction between active and maintained pre-existing conditions. An active condition is just what it sounds like—any condition that occurred before or at the time of joining and is currently causing symptoms or requiring treatment. Active pre-existing conditions are not eligible for sharing according to the CHM guidelines.
Maintained pre-existing conditions are when a member has gone at least 90 days without testing or treatment for the condition, no further testing or treatment is needed, and the member is cured or on a maintenance treatment regimen. Examples of maintained pre-existing conditions include high blood pressure, thyroid issues, asthma, diabetes, and so on. Members on the CHM Gold program may share eligible expenses related to maintained pre-existing conditions starting year one of their membership. The limit is $15,000 the first year and up to $50,000 by the third year of membership. By year four of a continuous membership, CHM will no longer consider the condition pre-existing and it will be eligible for regular sharing. CHM Bronze and CHM Silver members can have eligible expenses related to their maintained pre-existing conditions shared through CHM Give. Keep in mind, there is a per illness lifetime limit of $125,000 for all programs, unless members are part of CHM Plus.
CHM only has a one year lookback period for pre-existing conditions. That means, medical conditions, with the exception of cancer, will no longer be considered pre-existing if the member has gone a full year without signs, symptoms, or treatment, they are not on maintenance medication, and it is documented by official medical records. This is one of the shortest lookback periods of any HealthShare.
Noteworthy
Here is some of the top information we believe potential members might want to know about this HealthShare.
Key considerations
- Members must abstain from all forms of tobacco and nicotine
- Sharing limit of $125,000 per condition (without CHM Plus)
- CHM Plus increases sharing potential
- Well-established; 40 plus years of operation
Membership requirements
- Strict membership requirements
- Live by biblical standards and embrace CHM’s Statements of Beliefs
- Attend worship services regularly
- Abstain from tobacco, illegal drugs, marijuana use, and sexual immorality
Pros
- No startup or annual fees
- CHM SeniorShare™ program for members 65 and over
- CHM Gold and CHM SeniorShare™ members can partially share in maintained pre-existing conditions in the first year of membership (up to $15,000) and are shared regularly after four years of continuous membership
- Additional sharing for maintained pre-existing conditions available through CHM Give for eligible medical bills
- Referral program offers a credit toward membership dues for each new CHM member
- Option to reduce member’s Personal Responsibility (PR) for maternity, non-emergent surgeries, and cancer
Cons
- No maternity sharing for unwed mothers
- Average reimbursement time of 2-3 months
- Reimbursement checks only sent through the mail (no online option)
Ideal candidates
- Share the Christian values outlined in their Statements of Beliefs
- Want to join a long-standing, reputable Christian HealthShare
Learn more about CHM by watching the video
Page Updated 11/19/2025
