MEMBER: R.D.
LOCATION: BALTIMORE, MD
MEMBERSHIP TYPE: FAMILY (9 MEMBERS)
MEMBERS SINCE: 2019
WHAT WAS THE MOTIVATION TO JOIN UNITED REFUAH AT THE VERY BEGINNING?
Healthcare was getting very expensive for our family. We initially explored the other HealthShares we’ve heard about, but they were all Christian-based and required signing belief statements we weren’t comfortable with. When we asked, we were advised to try and find an alternative rather than signing on those beliefs. When United Refuah started we spoke with the team and their approach seemed right for our family. We joined and six years later, we’ve never looked back!
HOW SIGNIFICANT WERE THE SAVINGS WHEN YOU MADE THE SWITCH?
We were a family of seven at that time paying about $1,200 per month in premiums alone. With United Refuah, our monthly contribution dropped to under $600 — cutting expenses by roughly 50%.
WAS IT CHALLENGING TO ADAPT TO THE NEW SYSTEM?
Like anything new, it requires learning. The theoretical knowledge only goes so far and you really only understand it once you start using it — that’s where the United Refuah team really shines! They are responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive and help guide you through whatever you encounter. Our first major medical incident happened shortly after joining. That helped us learn the ropes fairly quickly and since then, thank G-d, has been smooth sailing.
ARE YOU COMFORTABLE SHARING ABOUT THAT FIRST MAJOR MEDICAL INCIDENT?
Certainly. In October 2019, shortly after joining, our four month old son was hospitalized for six days with a cellulitis infection. We went to one ER but were sent home. The next day he was admitted to Johns Hopkins where he received a six-day inpatient antibiotic treatment. It could have been overwhelming being we were dealing with multiple hospital bills, doctors bills, medication, etc., but everything was taken care of quickly and smoothly. Within the week of receiving the bills, United Refuah settled the payment directly with our providers. I remember thinking ‘wow, this really works’. We were not left with large or outstanding bills.
HAVE THERE BEEN ANY MEDICAL SERVICES THAT UNITED REFUAH WOULDN’T SHARE IN?
Generally, it meets our family’s needs really well. We’ve had medical services ranging from ER visits, physical therapy, specialist consultations, and surgeries — all shared without a problem. The only small hiccup I had was with vaccine billing. Initially, I didn’t realize I could request vaccines through the VFC program (a national program which provides vaccines free of charge to children ages 18 and younger) which led to higher charges. After discussing it with United Refuah, they made an exception and shared the higher expense, even though it was my oversight. Now I know to request them through the program, which significantly reduces costs.
IF YOUR FAMILY GREW TO 9 KA”H, DID YOU USE UNITED REFUAH FOR YOUR RECENT BIRTHS?
I kept my insurance as a precaution for my first pregnancy while on United Refuah because we didn’t yet know how it would work. My last pregnancy and birth were fully under United Refuah and everything went exactly as my case manager explained. There were no surprises, and everything I needed was shared without an issue or extra costs for me.
WHAT DO YOU TELL PEOPLE WHO ARE HESITANT ABOUT JOINING A HEALTHSHARE?
If I ever felt that the care I had access to was inadequate or that I had to make compromised decisions regarding my family’s health due to the lack of traditional insurance, the financial savings wouldn’t be worth it. However, I never once felt that I had to compromise or make a less than ideal decision about my kids’ medical care based on the fact that I do not have regular insurance. The process is straightforward, and the care access, including specialists, is uncomplicated. The main difference is the financial savings and the extra $700+ each month that can be used to pay for better things than private health insurance.
To speak with the featured member, reach out to United Refuah to request an introduction. [email protected] | (440) U-REFUAH.
United Refuah is a non profit healthsharing organization. It is not insurance and does not offer insurance. See Sharing Guidelines for full details. Application and annual renewal fees apply.
