Frequently Asked Questions

Ted Pittenger founded Samaritan Ministries International as a health care sharing ministry based on Galatians 6:2 to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ," and sharing began in 1994.

Yes, new members are always welcome. Samaritan Ministries is not insurance, so you can become a member when it is convenient for you.

Medical bills must be submitted to Medicare, and any other payer who may be responsible, before submitting them to Samaritan Ministries. Members must receive either notice of payment or rejection and submit documentation before Samaritan Ministries will consider sharing the need.

Medical conditions that existed prior to membership are only shareable if the condition has been symptom, treatment, and medication-free for 12 consecutive months as outlined in the program guidelines. Some pre-existing conditions have a five-year waiting period.

Each sharing program has a specified amount that the member is responsible for paying before medical bills are shared with the membership. The amount varies by program.

Dental and vision care is generally not shared by Samaritan members.

Yes, prescription costs are shareable within limits as outlined in the program guidelines.

Save to Share is an optional program only for members who participate in Samaritan™ Classic and Samaritan™ Basic to help with qualified needs that exceed the maximum shareable amount per need. The maximum shareable amounts are $250,000 and $236,500 respectively. See Save to Share Participation for details.