1. Membership Requirements

    2. If you meet the requirements in this section, your membership application will not be refused. As long as you continue to meet these requirements and fulfill all membership duties as determined by the Board of Directors, your membership will continue. If at any time you no longer meet all these membership requirements, you must notify SMI immediately, and your membership and all privileges will be suspended unless otherwise indicated.

    Your health status has no effect on your eligibility for membership. However, there are limitations on the sharing of needs for some conditions that existed before membership. Other needs that we publish have specific requirements. For a detailed explanation of the types of needs that are publishable or not publishable, see the publishable needs Guidelines (Sections VI-IX).

    To be eligible to have a need shared, a member must be meeting all of the requirements of membership including being current with all shares and administrative fees.

    We believe the following membership requirements benefit all members by being Scriptural, and also by minimizing medical risks and costs, ensuring proper accountability, and encouraging good health practices:

    1. Be a professing Christian according to Biblical principles. Romans 10:9-10, John 3:3
    2. Be in agreement with the following member statement of faith:
      • I believe in the triune God of the Bible. He is one God Who is revealed in three distinct Persons - God, the Father; God, the Son; and God the Holy Spirit.
      • I believe Jesus Christ was God in the flesh - fully God and fully man. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, was bodily resurrected on the third day, and now is seated in the heavens at the right hand of God, the Father.
      • I believe that all people are born with a sinful nature and can be saved from eternal death only by trusting in Christ's atoning death and resurrection to save us from our sins and give us eternal life.
    3. Attend church regularly (at least three out of four weeks per month that your health or weather permits). Hebrews 10:25 If it is not possible for you to attend church, please submit a letter giving the details. If you disagree with the determination made, upon your request we will present the situation to 13 members chosen at random, and they will determine your eligibility for Samaritan Ministries.
    4. Believe that you are to bear one another's burdens as taught in the Bible. Galatians 6:2; Philippians 2:4
    5. Abstain totally from the use of tobacco and illegal drugs, and agree not to abuse any legal or prescribed substance. Romans 13:1; I Corinthians 6:12
    6. Choose option one or two regarding the use of alcohol. Ephesians 5:18
      • Option 1. Abstain totally from all beverages containing alcohol (wine used for communion only is an approved exception).
      • Option 2. Limit consumption of alcohol to moderate amounts so as to never drink to drunkenness.
    7. Abstain from any sexual activity outside of traditional Biblical marriage as designed by God between one man and one woman. Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5, I Corinthians 6:18
    8. Agree to practice good health measures in accordance with the principle that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. I Corinthians 6:19-20
    9. Keep your membership active and current by promptly paying the yearly membership fee and sending your monthly share to all regular needs suggested to you in the newsletter. Luke 16:10 Members who are not current in sending their annual membership fee or monthly share, will not be eligible to have needs published, and will be choosing not to continue their membership if the failure is not corrected after notice has been given. If financial need is the cause of these problems, assistance may be available through the Sponsorship Program (Section V.C).
    10. Be in agreement that when you have a dispute with a fellow Christian, and your fellow Christian is willing to submit that dispute to fellow believers for resolution, you are not to sue each other in the civil courts or other government agency I Corinthians 6:1-8, (Section XII). A person initiating a governmental proceeding against SMI to become a member would disqualify himself from membership.
    11. Sign and send to us your Membership Continuation Form each year confirming that you are meeting the above requirements. Proverbs 10:9
    12. Have your pastor or church leader sign a statement confirming that you meet the above requirements. Hebrews 13:17

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  2. Household Members Included

    3. There are four primary levels of household participation for SMI membership: single (one person), couple (two members of the same nuclear family), single-parent family (three or more members of the same nuclear family where the head of household is widowed, divorced, or legally separated), and two-parent family (three or more members of the same nuclear family).

    Any unmarried children age 18 and under, and unmarried children age 19 and over who meet the requirements of paragraph A, may be included as a child in a family membership and may submit medical needs for publication if they meet the member requirements in Section I and are listed on the Membership Application/Continuation Form.

    1. Children Age 19 and Over

      Your single children from age 19 up to and including age 25 may be on your membership if they are living at home (which includes while away at school full time).

      Single children age 26 and over may be on your membership if they are still living in your home and have an annual adjusted gross income (AGI) for federal tax purposes of less than 80 times the standard monthly share for a single person.

      Example: For the current standard monthly share of $135, the AGI limit is $135 x 80, or $10,800.

      Additionally, if your child's AGI exceeds $10,800, in special circumstances (e.g. a handicapped child) there is administrative leeway for your child to remain on your family membership. Contact your Member Services team if you wish to apply for this status.

    2. Marriage

      When your children are married, they must have their own membership even if they qualify as your dependent.

    3. Thirty Day Transition Allowance
      1. Children age 19 and over - will no longer be considered part of their parents' membership 30 days after they become ineligible as described in Section II.A & B above. It is the child's obligation to be aware when he is no longer a dependent and be responsible for his own membership.
      2. Gap Time - Any incidents which occur from the time a child leaves his parents' membership to the date he begins his own, will not be published.
    4. Newborn

      A newborn, whose addition to the household membership will increase the monthly share amount, will be included within the household membership retroactive to the date of birth as long as you notify SMI to add him to the membership no later than 30 days after birth; otherwise, the effective membership date will be no earlier than the date of notification to SMI. SMI should be notified as soon as possible to add subsequent newborn children to the membership. Please be aware that there are specific Guidelines addressing publishing needs for a newborn (Section IX).

    5. Adoption

      Adopted, unmarried children are considered members of the household the same as biological children. Any physical condition which the adopted child has prior to the adopting parents being legally responsible for the child's expenses, or prior to his effective date within his parents' membership, will be considered a "condition that existed before membership" under Section VII. However, routine maternity needs may be published as provided in Section IX.A.3, and needs related to genetic defects and hereditary diseases may be published as provided in Section VIII.A.

    6. Grandchildren

      Grandchildren may be included as part of their grandparents' membership if they meet all of the following criteria:

      1. they live permanently with their grandparents (their residence), and
      2. the grandparents have legal custody, or the grandchild is the child of a minor, and
      3. they meet the eligibility Guidelines for children, and
      4. they have no other agency, person, or group responsible for their medical bills.

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  3. Member Responsibilities

    4. Please familiarize yourself with the following duties so we can minister to each other more efficiently and effectively. Your faithful participation directly ministers to other members.

    1. Each member should faithfully check the mail for the newsletter and promptly call the office to request the newsletter and your monthly share assignment if you have not received them by the 10th of the month.
    2. Each member household, whether a single person, couple, or family, pays an annual membership fee. The fee is currently $175, but it is subject to change as costs increase. The membership fee is paid when you first join, and then each year thereafter you will pay it on the anniversary of the month you joined.

    3. Each member sends a monthly share to another member who has a medical financial need. The specific member you send to is listed on an assignment slip that is included with the monthly newsletter.

      The amount you send depends on your household membership. These amounts are current as of August 2011.

      The monthly share amounts for the four primary levels of household participation are as follows: a single member (one person) shares $150; a couple (two members of the same nuclear family) shares $300; a single-parent family (widowed, divorced, or legally separated) with children shares $215; and a two-parent family (three or more members of the same nuclear family) shares $355.

      The monthly share is reduced for young adults and students at Christian colleges. Those amounts are as follows: a single member (one person) shares $110; a couple (two members of the same nuclear family) shares $220; a single-parent family (widowed, divorced, or legally separated) with children shares $165; and a two- parent family (three or more members of the same nuclear family) shares $305.

      The young adult/student at Christian college amount applies to any month where one or both of the heads of household are age 25 or younger, or are a full-time student at a Christian college which holds to a statement of faith consistent with that required of members (Section I.B). Students are requested to submit documentation of their full-time status, and also provide their school's statement of faith.

      The monthly share is also reduced $30 per month for each member of the household who is age 65 and older.

    4. New members will send their first month's share along with the $175 annual membership fee to SMI. Shares for the second and third months will also be sent to SMI. Starting with the fourth month and continuing through the balance of membership, you will send your share to another member with a medical need.
    5. Along with your monthly share, send a note of encouragement to the member with the medical need to which you are assigned. Also pray for this member and for other members listed in the Prayer Guide included with each newsletter.
    6. Misuse of Trust and Accountability - At all times act with integrity and avoid the appearance of evil. Members presenting a falsified need, using deceptive practices, or participating in another member's misuse of trust will be dropped from membership.

      When a need is submitted requesting other members share financially to relieve the burden of a medical expense, the member submitting the need is committing that those medical expenses will be paid to the extent of the sharing.

      Members submitting needs further commit to work with SMI staff and agents to seek equitable prices from providers and to document amounts paid to providers.

      If a member receives more share money than the amount of his financial need, as a result of discounts or other changes (see FAQ 22), he will be directed to forward any extra share money to another member with a need or to the administrative office to assist with the cost of negotiating reductions in SMI members' medical bills.

      When an issue of possible misuse of trust by a member arises (whether or not still active or currently a member), the administrative office may seek the assistance of the member's church and provide it with the necessary information to address the issue and hold the member accountable. The member may request resolution of the question through the mediation and arbitration provisions of Section XII of the Guidelines.
    7. Ending Membership - If you wish to end your membership, SMI must have received notice from you no later than the 15th day of the month that you want to be the last month in which you share, so that a member with a need will not be relying on receiving your share. (E.g., if you want your last sharing month to be February, you must notify SMI by February 15.) After the 15th of the month, SMI will be preparing share slips counting on the share you have promised to help meet the needs of our brothers and sisters for the following month.
    8. Modifying Membership - If you are continuing your membership, but removing from the membership a spouse, or otherwise lowering the level of household participation, SMI must have received notice from you no later than the 15th day of the month that you want to be the last month in which you share, so that a member with a need will not be relying on receiving your share. (E.g., if you want your last sharing month to be February, you must notify SMI by February 15th.)

      Additionally, if a spouse is being removed from the membership, the notice is not effective until written approval of the change signed by the removed spouse is received by SMI.

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  4. Member Participation in SMI
    1. Nominations and Elections

      From SMI's inception, members have participated in determining how the ministry functions. Members continue to participate in important decisions by voting. Each household receives one ballot. Family member ballots count for 3 votes, single-parent households 2.5, couples 2, and singles 1.

      1. For Board Members - There are five Board members. Samaritan Ministries founder and international president, Ted Pittenger, is a permanent Board member and appoints another Board member each year. The remaining three Board members are elected by members for staggered three year terms. Members nominate candidates and vote by mail.

        To be eligible for Board membership, the nominees must:
        1. agree with the following board member statement of faith:

          I believe the Bible alone is the inspired Word of God; therefore it is the final and only source of absolute spiritual authority.

          I believe in the triune God of the Bible. He is one God Who is revealed in three distinct Persons-God, the Father; God, the Son; and God, the Holy Spirit.

          I believe Jesus Christ was God in the flesh - fully God and fully man. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, was bodily resurrected on the third day, and now is seated in the heavens at the right hand of God, the Father.

          I believe that all people are born with a sinful nature and can be saved from eternal death only by grace alone, through faith alone, trusting only in Christ's atoning death and resurrection to save us from our sins and give us eternal life.

          I believe in the bodily resurrection of all who have put their faith in Jesus Christ, and the bodily resurrection to judgment of all who have not.

          All I believe and do should be for the glory of God alone.

        2. be at least 30 years old.
        3. not have any financial interest in SMI.
        4. have been an active member of SMI for at least two years.
        5. have been in good standing for all periods of membership in the past five years.
        6. provide written verification from among his local church's leadership that his Christian beliefs and practice are consistent with the qualifications for elder as specified in 1 Timothy 3.

        If the position is contested, the candidate receiving the most votes is elected. If there are more than two candidates, the candidate with the plurality will be the winner unless the Board determines that a runoff should occur between the two highest candidates. If there is only one candidate, members will be provided with a "Yes/No" ballot, and the candidate must receive a simple majority of the weighted votes cast to be elected.

      2. For Share Increases - If needs submitted are greater than shares available and "prorating" of needs occurs for three consecutive months, members will be provided an opportunity to vote on whether they want to increase the monthly share, although voting may be limited to those members whose share amount will be directly affected by the outcome. The Board may propose share increases to the members at other appropriate times, such as when it believes that the occurrence of prorating demonstrates the inadequacy of the share amounts to meet all the needs which members have agreed to publish. For a proposal to increase the basic share amount to pass, it must receive a 3/5 majority of the weighted votes of the members cast. The reduced share amounts for young adults and students at Christian colleges, and discounts for age 65 and older may only be changed by majority vote of the SMI Board.
      3. For Advisory Input on Other Issues - The Board may seek an advisory vote of the members on any issue, e.g. whether to make changes in the Guidelines concerning what medical needs should be published.
    2. Communicating With Each Other

      At SMI we believe all members of the body of Christ should give input for the mutual edification of the whole body. We encourage members to communicate with staff about all issues of health care. Your input can help us be more aware of ways to improve the ministry. You may know about new and effective medical treatments. You may know of ways to negotiate discounts or use alternate treatments to keep costs down. You may know of specific medical, spiritual, or financial needs. You may know of ways the staff can better serve our members and encourage a spirit of community. Input offered in a spirit of love is highly valued, and we welcome it.

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  5. Additional Giving Opportunities

    6. Although we practice good stewardship by adhering to our Guidelines and limiting needs we publish to what members have agreed upon, we also strongly encourage giving above and beyond what is required. This can be done through Special Prayer Needs, through extra giving in proration months, and through the Sponsorship Program.

    1. Special Prayer Needs

      Needs that do not meet the Guidelines may be eligible for publication as Special Prayer Needs that members may give to in addition to their regular monthly share. SMI reserves the right to decide which needs will or will not be published as Special Prayer Needs. Requests that needs be submitted as Special Prayer Needs will be evaluated on such criteria as the extent of the financial burden, the availability of assistance from other sources, the degree to which the need was avoidable, and the amount of other pending requests.

      Before submitting a Special Prayer Need, consider your financial resources, what reductions you have requested from providers, and what assistance is available from your family and local church. Remember that the SMI membership will be giving beyond their monthly shares to lighten your burden.

      Needs for reversal of a vasectomy or tubal ligation will be considered for publication as a Special Prayer Need under strict requirements, which must be met and approved by Samaritan Ministries before making arrangements for these procedures. For questions concerning this provision call 1-877-764-2426 to speak to your Member Services team.

    2. Proration Months

      In months where a proration occurs, most members who had a published need that month will only have the prorated amount published, which may still leave a significant burden on some families. In such cases the monthly assignment sheet will show you the extra amount you, and the other members assigned that need, would have to send so that the member's need would be fully met. All members are asked to prayerfully consider giving out of their surplus, beyond their minimum monthly share, to minimize the effect of the proration.

    3. Sponsorship

      Even though we try to keep the annual fee and monthly share amounts as low as possible, there are still circumstances when an applicant, or an existing member, may not be able to pay the entire amount. Because we are committed to the central role of the family and the local church in all of life, including health care, application for help through Sponsorship will require that these other avenues of assistance be explored first, so they have the first opportunity to receive the blessing of giving. For more information about how to apply for Sponsorship or how to give to the Sponsorship program, please call us toll free at 1-877-764-2426.

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  6. Amounts That Members Share

    7. This section explains how the publishable amount of a member's medical expenses will be determined. There is no calendar year or lifetime limit on the number of conditions or the total dollar amount of different needs that may be published. Original, itemized bills for the incident you want published must be submitted within one year of treatment. Bills submitted more than a year after treatment will not be published.

    1. Basic Need Amounts

      2. Medical needs are submitted on a per person per incident basis for illnesses or injuries resulting in visits to medical doctors, emergency rooms, or hospitals (inpatient and outpatient).

      1. Minimum Amount to be a Publishable Need - Needs of less than $300 are not considered burdens that should be borne by other members. If a need of this size is a burden that the member cannot bear alone, help can be sought from family, friends, local church, or it can be submitted as a Special Prayer Need.
      2. Initial Unpublished Amount - When a need is greater than $300, the portion of the need that exceeds $300 will be eligible for publication.
      3. Maximum Amount - The maximum publishable amount for each need is $250,000. (If you desire to participate in a need sharing ministry for needs greater than $250,000, see the Save to Share™ program Guidelines.) There is no lifetime maximum amount eligible for sharing for any person or membership.
      4. Need Defined - Bills related to the same condition, including those for separate incidents, (e.g. separate treatments or episodes of symptoms) will be published as one need and accumulate towards the $250,000 maximum amount. If at least 12 months pass without any symptoms, medication, or other treatment for the condition that originally created the need, (or related subsequent conditions), and the condition thereafter recurs, it will be treated as a new need. Tests or a doctor's statement may be required to verify the lapse of symptoms, medication, or other treatment.
      5. More than Three Needs in 12 Months - If a member household has more than three publishable needs in any 12 month period, the initial unpublished amount of $300 will apply only to the first three needs. Needs less than $300 will still not be published.
      6. Effect of Discounts and Special Exceptions - Payments by other agencies and reductions by health care providers will be applied first, dollar for dollar, to the initial $300 unpublishable amount of each need. If a discount or other special exception (e.g. IX.B.2 and 3 regarding homebirths and certain vaginal births) has the effect of making the initial unpublishable amount of a need zero, that incident will still count towards the three per 12 month limit.
      7. Multiple, Simultaneous Needs - If more than one publishable condition is treated during the same time period, the member may submit separate needs for each condition. Each need must be submitted with a separate Need Processing Form. The initial unpublished amount will apply to each need.
    2. Payments from Others
      1. Others Obligated to Pay:
        1. Insurance Type Arrangements - Bills must be submitted to insurance, Medicare, Worker's Compensation, and any other responsible payer before submitting them to Samaritan Ministries. Members must receive notice of payment or rejection, and submit documentation thereof, before Samaritan Ministries will consider publishing the need. Any amount paid by insurance, Medicare, Worker's Compensation, or any other responsible or liable party will not be published.
        2. Pursuing Legal Remedy - If a member suffers injury and the liable party or his insurance refuses to pay unless legal remedies are pursued, the member must pursue his legal remedies unless he demonstrates that doing so would violate his Biblically-based conviction against initiating a lawsuit. See Section XII.
      2. Other Available Assistance - Seeking assistance from government aid programs is never required by SMI and is contrary to our understanding of God's desire for His people. However, if a non-governmental, secular, religious, or fraternal organization is willing to pay any portion of a qualifying medical bill and the member refuses to accept this payment, the member has then chosen not to have that portion of the bill published, unless the member demonstrates that accepting the assistance would violate his Biblical conviction.
    3. Discounts

      4. Discounts given by any health care provider should be listed in the Discounts column on the Bill List and will not be published.


    4. Balancing Needs and Shares/Proration

      5. The amount of a need that is published may be affected by the amount of other members' needs. Each month there is a fixed amount of committed shares available from members to be sent out to meet needs. However, the needs of members fluctuate, and in any one month may be greater, or less, than the shares available. Needs take varying amounts of time to process to be ready for publication, and there is never an exact match between the amount of shares available for a month and the needs that have been received. Many times the mismatch between needs and shares is remedied by overlapping needs received in two months, but occasionally the discrepancy is too large for this simple adjustment. The handling of large fluctuations is described below:

      1. When Shares Are Greater Than Needs - If the shares available for a particular month are greater than the needs to be published, and all of the unpublished prorated needs from the previous month are also met, needs for the following month may be published or the share amounts assigned to the members may be reduced for the month.
      2. When Needs are Greater than Shares/Prorating - It is our goal that all qualifying needs presented by the members will be published. However, in the event that the publishable needs are significantly greater than the shares available for that particular month, we may use a prorating contingency plan. For example, if $1,000,000 in total needs are to be published in a given month, but only $900,000 in shares are available, we will take the percentage of shares as compared to needs - 900,000/1,000,000 = 90 percent and apply that percentage to each need. Thus, we will publish 90 percent of the normal publishable amount of each need presented for that particular month. If you have a need for which SMI would normally publish $1,000, only $900 would actually be published. We will ask members to pray that God will provide for the unpublished portion of these needs in the following month. Members will also be encouraged to give more than their normal monthly share to help make up the shortfall.

        If in the month following the prorating we find that the published needs are less than the shares available, we will consider carrying over the unpublished portion of prorated needs from the previous month. Once a deficit has run and one month has passed, we will not usually carry over the unpublished needs to subsequent months. However, we will consider publishing prorated needs that are an excessive burden to a member as a Special Prayer Need. See Section V. There are additional procedures that affect prorating Maternity Needs. If medical providers have given you discounts on your bills, the discounts will be applied first to the initial $300 unpublished amount, and then to the amount that is prorated, reducing or eliminating the impact of prorating on your need.
    5. Time Limit for Submitting Documentation

      The sooner that bills are submitted to SMI usually means the larger the reduction in price that can be obtained from the provider through negotiations. When there are a number of bills related to treating the same incident, it is helpful for them to be submitted together if they all can be obtained within a 30-day period.

      With this in mind, original, itemized bills should be submitted to the administrative office with a Need Processing Form as soon as possible. Ordinarily, bills submitted more than one year after the service was provided will not be published.

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  7. Conditions Existing Before Membership

    8. Expenses for any medical service/treatment provided during your membership which meets these Guidelines are publishable while you are a member in good standing except as explained below or as otherwise agreed prior to membership.

    1. Conditions Cured and 12 Months Symptom and Treatment Free

      Needs that result from a condition that existed prior to membership (known or producing observable symptoms) are only publishable if the condition appears to be cured, and 12 months have passed without any symptoms (benign or deleterious), treatment, or medication (even if the cause of the symptoms is unknown or misdiagnosed). Tests or a doctor's statement may be required to verify the lapse of symptoms, treatment, and medication.

      Exception: For genetic defects and hereditary diseases, the waiting period is five years and for any previous cases of cancer of the same type, seven years.

      Please note: New needs are not considered as "resulting from a condition that existed before membership" unless the prior condition actually caused the new need. SMI may require that the member provide a written opinion from a physician that the current need was not caused by the prior condition. Even though a need may not be publishable because it resulted from a condition existing before membership, it may still qualify to be shared among our members as a Special Prayer Need. See Section V.A.

    2. Exception for Diabetes and Heart Conditions

      Needs resulting from heart conditions or diabetes that existed prior to a membership will not be published even though the member went 12 months without symptoms, treatment, or medication. Be aware that even though a condition may appear at one time to have been cured, there could be a subsequent relapse or complication which is a result of the original condition. If there is a question whether a member's need is the result of a previous heart condition or diabetes, a verification from a physician will be required to verify the lack of a connection.

      Exception: High blood pressure will not be considered a "condition existing prior to membership" even if you have not gone 12 months symptom free, as long as you have not been hospitalized for high blood pressure in the past, and you are able to control the condition through medication or diet. Medication for treatment as a chronic condition will not be published.

    3. Verification for Certain Conditions

      For some of the conditions listed below in Section VIII.A, a statement signed by both the member and the doctor must be submitted verifying that the condition did not exist prior to membership, or the member went at least 12 months without symptoms, treatment, and medication subsequent to the last time the condition occurred before becoming a member.

  8. Needs Shared by Members

    9. We publish for sharing, expenses you incur for providing medical care to your membership household within the Guidelines approved by the members or the Board of Directors (and the dollar and time limits of Sections VI and VII). The approved Guidelines place some limitations on the types of physical maladies and medical services for which we publish needs, and limit the publication of expenses incurred due to injuries from certain listed causes.

    This section is designed to allow you to quickly check the physical condition (Part A), the medical services needed (Part B), and the cause thereof if an injury, to confirm whether or not a particular medical expense is publishable. There are a few services and charges that are not published (Parts C & D). Please call your Member Services team if you have any questions regarding the application of these Guidelines. Also, see Section XI regarding Advisory and Binding opinions.

    1. Physical Conditions for Which Medical Expenses are Shared

      Expenses for all types of physical conditions are generally publishable with special provisions for some conditions as explained below:

      1. Back Problems - Publishable. During the first five years of membership, the statement described in VII.C must be provided.
      2. Bunions - Publishable. During the first three years of membership, the statement described in VII.C must be provided.
      3. Cancer - Publishable, but there is a limitation if it is related to cancer of a type you had prior to becoming a member (see Section VII.A).
      4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Publishable. During the first three years of membership, the statement described in VII.C must be provided.
      5. Complications from Maternity - Bills for complications to the mother are considered part of the maternity need. See Section IX.A.2 and IX.C for details.
      6. Complications following Non-publishable Medical Procedures - If complications arise from a medical procedure that is not publishable (e.g. a routine colonoscopy and most cosmetic surgery see VIII.B.), expenses for treating the complications are publishable unless the procedure that was the cause was not publishable due to moral reasons (e.g. Abortion VIII D.1).
      7. Dental Problems - We Publish:
        1. The breaking or injury of natural teeth and caps (but not repairs to dentures or partial plates) by accidents other than when eating and certain motor vehicle accidents. See Section VIII.C.
        2. Operations on bones in the mouth (not teeth).
        3. Life-threatening dental problems. An example would be an allergic reaction to previous dental work materials on a life-threatening level. Publication of bills would be limited to helping with the immediate life-threatening problem only. It would NOT include subsequent routine dental work.

          We do not publish dental work on the teeth either above or below the surface of the gums, and/or routine dental work such as (but not limited to): cleanings, fillings, crowns, removal of wisdom teeth, dentures, treatment of periodontal disease, etc., except as provided in 7.a through 7.c above.
      8. Diabetes - Publishable, unless it is related to diabetes of any type you had prior to becoming a member (Section VII.B).
      9. Foot Disorders - Publishable. During the first three years of membership, the statement described in VII.C must be provided.
      10. Genetic Defects - Publishable when the condition may be permanently improved or cured by surgery or other treatment with a determined termination (as opposed to an indefinite length of treatment), and at least one of these is true:
        1. Neither the condition nor a symptom of the condition were discovered until after membership had begun;
        2. The condition has not required treatment or produced symptoms for at least five years;
        3. The condition exists in a person who has been included in a membership from birth and the mother was included in a membership prior to the pregnancy; or
        4. If the condition exists in a person who was adopted, the person has been included in a membership since the adoption, and the adopting parents were unaware of the condition at the time the adoption was finalized.
      11. Heart Conditions - Publishable unless related to a heart condition of any type you had prior to becoming a member. See Section VII.B and the high blood pressure exception below.
      12. Hemorrhoids - Publishable. During the first three years of membership, the statement described in VII.C must be provided.
      13. Hereditary Diseases - Publishable under the same conditions as Genetic Defects.
      14. Hernia - Publishable. During the first three years of membership, the statement described in VII.C must be provided.
      15. High Blood Pressure - As long as you have not been hospitalized for high blood pressure in the past, and you have been able to control this condition through medication or diet, an incident that begins after your membership begins is publishable, and would qualify for one 60-day period for publication of prescription expenses (see VIII.B.18). Medication thereafter for treating a chronic condition is not publishable.
      16. Pregnancy/Maternity - See Section IX for the special provisions.
      17. Prostate Conditions - Publishable. During the first three years of membership, the statement described in VII.C must be provided.
      18. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) - HIV, AIDS, or other STDs contracted innocently (e.g. blood transfusions or medical procedures) will be published. We do not publish for sexually transmitted diseases, including the HIV virus and/or AIDS, when contracted sexually outside of marriage, or through irresponsible behavior such as sharing hypodermic needles for legal or illegal drugs. It is the member's responsibility to demonstrate that the disease was contracted innocently.
      19. Sleep Apnea - Publishable. During the first three years of membership, the statement described in VII.C must be provided.
      20. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction - Publishable. During the first three years of membership, the statement described in VII.C must be provided.
    2. Medical Expenses for Which Sharing is Limited

      Visits to licensed medical doctors, emergency rooms, hospitals, testing facilities, and outpatient surgery for conventional treatments for injuries and illnesses are generally publishable. Expenses for services rendered in any part of the world are publishable as long as the documentation meets the requirements of Section X.M. There are special rules for some services and some services are not publishable as explained below:

      1. Alternative Medical Practices (or non-conventional treatments) - Non-customary, or non-conventional medical treatments, are not publishable unless the member receives prior written approval from Samaritan Ministries. Approval is based upon factors such as the less invasive nature of the proposed treatment, demonstration that such treatment will prevent more costly conventional treatments, consistency of the treatment with what a medical doctor would prescribe for illness or injury, and the member's acceptance of appropriate pre-conditions for publishing the expenses. Examples of alternative medical practices are chiropractic and osteopathic treatments.
      2. Ambulance - Ambulance transportation and life flights are publishable only when used for perceived life threatening situations or when prescribed by your health care provider for transport between medical facilities.
      3. Audiological - Hearing aids or any related examination or fitting, are not publishable. Cochlear implants (and the related consultation and therapy), prosthetic inner ear stimulators, and similar implanted devices are publishable if a physician has provided written verification that the hearing loss cannot be addressed by non-surgical means.
      4. Chiropractic - Services related to treatment of a specific musculoskeletal injury or disease may be publishable for up to 25 office visits, including ancillary items for treating the musculoskeletal injury or disease such as prescribed nutritional supplements for up to 120 days and X-rays. Maintenance treatments are not publishable. All other chiropractic services will be treated as "Alternative Medical Practices" (Section VIII.B.1).
      5. Colonoscopy - Routine colonoscopies, like all routine tests and checkups (see #22) are not publishable. A colonoscopy will be publishable when prescribed due to symptoms for a condition not evident prior to your membership.
      6. Cosmetic Surgery - Cosmetic surgery for disfiguration caused by amputation, disease (excluding acne), or a publishable motor vehicle accident (see Section VIII.C), and breast reconstruction following a mastectomy is publishable. All other elective cosmetic surgery done primarily for non-health reasons, including breast reduction or enhancement operations, is not publishable. See Section VIII.A.10 for cosmetic surgery related to a genetic defect.
      7. Dental - See "Dental Problems" (Section VIII.A).
      8. Fertility - Fertility treatment or testing is not publishable.
      9. Hospitalization - The costs of a hospital room are publishable, but not for a private room unless (a) all rooms at the facility are private, or (b) a doctor prescribes intensive care or quarantine.
      10. Medical Equipment - The initial purchase or rental of medical equipment (such as oxygen tanks and devices, respirators, special shoes, orthotics, crutches, etc.) is publishable only if the member receives written approval from Samaritan Ministries, and
        1. The member provides proof that the purchase or rental would result in an overall savings in cost (for example, hospital beds allowing for earlier release from the hospital); or
        2. For purchases only: The equipment is a customary or necessary part of directly treating the condition. This would not include hospital beds.
      11. Naturopathic - Naturopathic procedures, adjustments, manipulations, ultrasound and similar treatments will be treated as "Alternative Medical Practices" (Section VIII.B.1). However, medical treatments provided by a Doctor of Naturopathy that meet all other requirements will be publishable.
      12. Newborn care - See the special Guidelines (Section IX).
      13. Nutritionists - Services of nutritionists, dietary consultants or herbalists, and nutritional products are not eligible for sharing unless prescribed by a doctor or, if the member is hospitalized, prescribed by a member of the hospital staff. Prescribed nutritional products are only eligible for sharing for 120 days from the first prescription, not including inpatient hospital stays.

        Exceptions: The cost of prescriptions of nutritional products for maintenance treatments of chronic or recurring conditions (e.g. diabetes, eczema, blood pressure control) is not eligible for sharing beyond a one-time, 120-day period. Subsequent sharing for nutritional products for the same condition will occur only when there is a new need (Section VI.A.4). The cost of nutritional education and educational materials is not publishable. The Guidelines for "Alternative Medical Practices" may also apply in some cases (Section VIII.B.1).
      14. Optical - Optometric services or tests including eyeglasses, contacts, eye refraction, visual therapy, or any related examination or fitting are not publishable.
      15. Organ Transplants - Routine (not experimental) organ transplants are publishable, and are subject to the limitations for conditions that existed prior to membership (Section VII.A).
      16. Osteopathic - Adjustments and manipulations, etc., are subject to the same specific musculoskeletal injury or disease and 25 office visit limits as chiropractic care. Other medical treatments that meet all other requirements will be publishable.
      17. Physical Therapy - Publishable for injury related physical therapy received while you are in the hospital and up to 35 additional sessions of therapy while you are not hospitalized.
      18. Prescriptions - Prescribed medication related to a qualifying medical condition is publishable for 60 days from the first prescription. All medication, prescribed or not, administered during inpatient hospital stays will be publishable and does not count toward the 60-day limit. Exceptions: We do not publish the cost of prescriptions for maintenance of chronic or recurring conditions (e.g. diabetes, eczema, blood pressure control) beyond a one time 60-day period. Subsequent publication of a prescription for maintenance of the same condition will occur only when there is a new need (Section VI.A.4). We do not publish expenses for psychotropic medications for chemical imbalances that cannot be verified by laboratory tests.
      19. Prosthetics - The costs of prosthetics are publishable except for artificial hair, teeth (except see "Dental Problems" in Section VIII.A), and breasts (except see Cosmetic Surgery). Replacements for a prosthetic will ordinarily not be publishable unless due to changes in physical conditions or it is damaged in an accident.
      20. Speech Therapy - Needs for treatment of speech problems related to an illness or accident (e.g. stroke) are publishable, but developmental related speech therapy will not be publishable.
      21. Sterilization - Sterilization such as tubal ligation and vasectomy or the reversal of the same is not publishable, but see V.A.
      22. Tests and Checkups - Tests are publishable only when prescribed by a medical doctor because of symptoms that are evident for a condition that was not evident prior to becoming a member. Routine follow-up tests or checkups after a condition is declared arrested or cured are not publishable.
      23. Transplants - See "Organ Transplants."
      24. Travel Expenses - Normally travel expenses (transportation, meals, and lodging) are not shared (Section VIII.D.14). However, where it can be demonstrated that a substantial savings in medical expenses resulted from the travel, reasonable expenses will be shared.
      25. Visiting Nurses - We will publish up to 45 days of prescribed visiting nursing care after you are released from a hospital. The days need not be consecutive.
      26. Weight Reduction - Weight reduction programs, diet centers, clinics, staples in the stomach, balloons inserted in the stomach, jaw wiring, or any other procedures relating to weight reduction are not publishable, even if prescribed by a doctor to treat a related condition (e.g. diabetes).
    3. Injuries Involving Motor Vehicles

      Most needs for motor vehicle related injuries are shared. A "motor vehicle" is any vehicle with an engine/motor used for transportation, work, or recreation. Bills must be submitted to any responsible or liable party before they will be considered for publication.

      1. Publishable. Needs from injuries in a motor vehicle accident where the member is not an operator or passenger (in, on, or being pulled by the vehicle), but a pedestrian, bicyclist, bystander, etc., is publishable for the amount of the need that is not the responsibility of any insurance or liable party.
      2. Publishable with Requirements. Needs from injuries in an accident where the member is an operator or passenger (in, on, or being pulled by the vehicle), of on-road, or off-road motor vehicles such as snowmobiles, go-karts, off-road motorcycles, four-wheel ATVs, tractors, farm implements, construction equipment, six-wheel ATVs, golf carts, personal moving devices, motorized watercraft of all kinds, and all aircraft, will be publishable for the amount of the need that is not the responsibility of any insurance or liable party, and if all of the following conditions are met. The operator and any rider:
        1. were riding or operating the vehicle off public highways, or were lawfully on the highway, and
        2. were not engaged in formal racing or stunt competition, and
        3. were not operating the vehicle recklessly, or under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substance, and
        4. for head injuries, were wearing head protection appropriate for the vehicle.

      3. Not Publishable. Expenses from injuries related to accidents involving three-wheel ATVs, even if local law allows them to travel on public roads.
    4. Miscellaneous Items Not Shared
      1. Abortion - Expenses for abortion of a living, unborn baby will not be publishable.
      2. Abuse of Drugs or Alcohol - Injuries that result from a member abusing drugs or alcohol will not be publishable.
      3. Accidents to Teeth While Eating - The breaking or injury of natural teeth by accident when eating is not publishable.
      4. ADD, ADHD, and SPD - Psychotropic medication, to treat chemical imbalances not demonstrable by lab tests, for Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder,and similar disorders are not publishable.
      5. Armed Conflict - Injuries or illness resulting from a member's active participation as a combatant in an armed conflict, but not including acting in self-defense or in defense of hearth or home, are not publishable.
      6. Infertility Expenses - Bills for prescriptions, tests, treatment, in vitro fertilization, or other procedures related to infertility are not publishable. However, medical expenses for an embryo adoption and implantation will be eligible for sharing as a Special Prayer Need.
      7. Injuries from Certain Acts - Injuries or illness from participation in a riot, criminal act, assisted suicide, or euthanasia will not be publishable.
      8. Interest/Late Charges - Costs incurred for late payment or interest charges from any care provider, or interest or finance charges from any lending institution that a member borrows from to pay medical bills are not publishable unless a substantial savings for early payment (30+ percent) will result.
      9. Mental Illness - Expenses from treating mental illness are not publishable, including bills for mental, emotional, spiritual, psychological or psychiatric tests, or treatment.
      10. Non-Medical Expenses - Phone calls, cots and/or meals for visitors, and other expenses not directly related to provided medical services are normally not publishable.
      11. Products such as herbs, teas, vitamins, supplements, etc., are not publishable unless prescribed by a member of a hospital staff for a hospitalized patient, or prescribed by a doctor. See Section VIII.B.13 for sharing limitations. The Guidelines for "Alternative Medical Practices" may also apply in some cases (Section VIII.B.1).
      12. Routine medical care - such as routine physicals, check-ups, immunizations, flu shots, long-term maintenance prescriptions, and other routine medical expenses are not publishable.
      13. Self-Inflicted Injuries - Self-inflicted, non-accidental incidents for members over 12 years old are not publishable.
      14. Travel Expenses - Travel expenses and lodging expenses are normally not publishable. Reasonable travel, transportation, meals, and lodging will be considered for publication if a substantial savings will result (Section VIII.B.24).

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  9. Maternity Needs

    10. In general, maternity needs include bills for prenatal care, delivery, postnatal care and miscarriage, and are treated like any other medical expense.

    There are specific Guidelines for types of maternity needs that are publishable (Section A) and the initial unpublished amount (Section B). There are additional limitations on the publishable amount if the pregnancy began before membership as explained in Section C.

    1. Maternity Needs that are Publishable
      1. General Rule - Publishable maternity needs include bills for prenatal care, delivery, postnatal care, miscarriage, and congenital conditions. There are special criteria for publishing needs of the child from genetic defects and hereditary diseases. See Section VIII.A.
      2. Separate Needs - Bills for all pregnancy and birth-related complications of the mother will be published as a part of the maternity need. Routine postnatal care of the child will be part of the mother's maternity need. Any prebirth need of the child or a post-birth need of the child beyond routine natal care will be considered a need separate from the mother's maternity need.

        When there are complications (anything beyond routine natal care) from, or as a part of, a multi-child pregnancy, the expenses for each child will be considered a separate need. Exception: If a multi-child pregnancy is the result of the use of fertility drugs, in vitro fertilization, or other artificial means, all pregnancy and birth related complications of the children will be treated as one need.

        There are special provisions in Section IX.C regarding the treating of separate needs when conception occurs prior to the mother becoming a member.
      3. Adopted Child - Medical expenses of the birth mother and an adopted child, for which the adopting parents are liable and which are not from a "condition existing before membership" (see Section II.E), are publishable the same as other maternity needs, less any credit amount to which the member is entitled under the federal adoption income tax credit due solely to those medical expenses. However, any physical condition which the adopted child has prior to the adopting parents being legally responsible for the child's expenses, or prior to his effective date within his parents' membership, will be considered a "condition that existed before membership" under Section VII.
      4. Early Publication - If a maternity care provider will reduce the normal charges if a member prepays some or all of the bill, we will consider publishing the maternity need prior to the birth. The member must request an estimate and submit it with the Need Processing Form. If the resulting bills are less than the pre-paid amount, the member must contact Member Services who will advise where to send the surplus.
    2. Initial Unpublishable Amount
      1. Like any other need, only the portion of a maternity need that exceeds $300 will be eligible for publication. See VI.A.1 and 2.
      2. The initial unpublishable $300 is waived for homebirths because they tend to reduce overall maternity costs. Publishable bills for homebirths include services of midwives, doctors, and/or nurse practitioners.
      3. The initial unpublishable $300 is waived for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
    3. Limits on Maternity Needs for Pregnancies Beginning Prior to Membership
      1. General Rule - When a member becomes pregnant prior to her membership, the amount that she is eligible to have published for her maternity needs from the pregnancy will be equal to the total amount the member has sent in monthly shares from the beginning of her membership or from when added to an existing membership. The same amount will also be available for the child's maternity needs, which is limited to extra costs related to a premature birth.

        If a member terminates the membership or allows it to lapse for any reason, and later rejoins, the amount available for maternity needs will be calculated from the date of the most recent start of her membership.
      2. Expenses Prior to Membership - Any maternity expenses that are incurred while the mother is not a member are not publishable except as a Special Prayer Need.
      3. Routine Maternity Expenses After Membership - All routine pre- and postnatal care of both the mother and child incurred on or after the effective date of membership will be publishable as part of the mother's maternity need limit.
      4. Complications and Conditions Through Birth - Any complication of the mother or baby which is treated, discovered, or produces symptoms through birth, will be considered a condition that was evident prior to membership and the bills will not be publishable except as a Special Prayer Need, until the applicable waiting period has occurred. See VIII.A for genetic defects and hereditary diseases and VII.A and B for all other conditions.
      5. Complications and Conditions After Birth - Any complication of the mother which first produces symptoms and is first discovered after birth will be considered part of the mother's publishable maternity need. Any complication to or defects in the child which first produces symptoms and is first discovered after birth, will be a regular need of the child's if the child is a member at birth. See Section II.D. However, all needs of a child related to a premature birth will be treated as a maternity need separate from the mother and subject to the special maternity publishing limit. See paragraph 6 below.
      6. Premature Births - The publishable amount limit for the mother's need is doubled for a baby born prematurely requiring extraordinary care. The premature baby's maternity need publishing limit is not doubled.

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  10. Submitting Medical Needs

    11. Qualified expenses will be shared for all who are included in a household (see Section II) that meets the membership requirements (see Section I) when the expense occurs. For a need to be published a household must be current with the annual membership continuation verification, all shares, and all administrative fees through the time he was a member, even if he is no longer a member when the need is published.

    Please carefully follow these instructions for submitting your medical needs.

    1. First verify that your medical need meets the publishable needs Guidelines (Sections VI-IX). Next, call Samaritan Ministries toll free at 877-764-2426. You will be directed to your Member Services team who will mail you a Need Processing packet.
    2. Read the instructions in the Need Processing packet and follow them carefully.
    3. Along with your Need Processing Form, you must submit original, itemized bills to Samaritan Ministries. Ask your health care provider to itemize all bills, and make copies to keep for your own records.
    4. An itemized bill will contain the following information:
      1. Name and address of the provider
      2. Name of the patient
      3. Date(s) of services provided
      4. Cost
      5. Description of the services or item
      6. Account number if available
      The most common paperwork delays are caused by bills that do not provide specific and complete information about the services you received. Bills that merely give amounts or codes may not be accepted. Overbilling and errors are common in health care, and detailed bills allow you and Samaritan Ministries to verify that you are being billed correctly.
    5. Read the "Common Questions" on the sheet included in your Need Processing packet, and seek reductions on your bills, using as a guide the "Suggestions for Negotiating Reductions" section. Reductions may decrease the $300 unpublishable amount for your need, and reductions help reduce the burden for all members.
    6. On the "Bill List," list the amounts you have been billed. Also list any payments by other agencies and discounts from the health care provider. These reductions will not be published.
    7. Total the columns on the "Bill List" and number your bills according to the list.
    8. Fill out the Member Questionnaire section. Your need will not be published without it.
    9. Have your church leader fill out and sign the Church Leader Verification section. Your need will not be published unless it is completed.
    10. Include a letter or note explaining the incident so we can better understand your need. Describe how we may pray for you or give praise for how God is already working in the situation. A short summary of your condition will be included in the monthly Prayer Guide and in the assignment sheet sent to the members who will be sharing with you.
    11. Mail your need to Samaritan Ministries in the need envelope provided. Correctly submitted needs are generally published in 30-60 days, helping you to pay the medical bills in a timely fashion.
    12. If additional bills for the same need arrive after you have submitted your need, call for an Add-on Form designated for your need, to submit the additional bills.
    13. If you are treated for an illness or medical condition in another country, the entire itemized billing statement must be written or translated in English, and the cost must be converted to U.S. dollars.
    14. Time Limit for Submitting Documentation

      The sooner that bills are submitted to SMI usually means the larger the reduction in price that can be obtained from the provider through negotiations. When there are a number of bills related to treating the same incident, it is helpful for them to be submitted together if they all can be obtained within a 30-day period.

      With this in mind, original, itemized bills should be submitted to the administrative office with a Need Processing Form as soon as possible. Ordinarily, bills submitted more than one year after the service was provided will not be published.

    15. Negotiations for Reductions

      One of the reasons that the monthly share is kept low is the substantial reductions from original billings that members and our negotiators are able to obtain. We encourage members to seek discounts, but depending on the situation often our negotiators are able to save even more. When you submit your need you are committing to cooperate with SMI staff and agents to seek equitable prices from providers and to document amounts you have paid to providers if needed.

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  11. Advisory Opinions and Binding Decisions

    12. Although Samaritan Ministries staff are trained to be forthright in phone conversations, oral opinions offered by the staff do not constitute binding decisions. Members who call to inform us of their circumstances in order to discover if the need qualifies will be given an opinion - not a binding decision. Inquiries in writing explaining circumstances and medical procedures involved and specifically seeking a written ruling will be answered in writing and constitute a decision that will bind SMI. The routine submission of bills to SMI followed by SMI's standard "need status letter" will not be considered such an inquiry or ruling.



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  12. Disagreement and Reconciliation

    13. Samaritan Ministries is a community of Christians and its members, as followers of Christ, believe that the Bible commands them to make every effort to live at peace and to resolve disputes with each other in private or within the church (see Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8). A member who chooses to violate this command of Scripture and his covenant with his SMI brethren, and takes a dispute to court, destroys our fellowship and has chosen to be as if he had never been a Samaritan Ministries member, and to not have his needs shared with the membership.

    Therefore, in becoming a member or reaffirming your membership, you agree that any claim or dispute you have with, or against SMI, its employees, directors, members and associate members, that is related to SMI and its ministries in any way, shall be settled by Biblically-based mediation and, if necessary, legally binding arbitration. And SMI agrees similarly with respect to any matter SMI might have against you. The procedure to be used depends upon the nature of the issue as explained in paragraphs A and B.

    1. Questions Regarding Whether a Need is Publishable

      2. Nearly all needs can be determined to be publishable or not publishable according to the Guidelines. In matters where the Guidelines may not provide absolute clarity, Samaritan Ministries can usually determine whether the need should be published according to procedure and precedent. If Samaritan Ministries cannot determine whether the need is publishable, or if you believe we are misinterpreting the Guidelines or your circumstances, the need may be submitted to 13 randomly chosen members who will review the need to determine whether it is publishable.

    2. Resolution of All Other Issues

      3. Any issue not included under paragraph A to be resolved by the 13 member panel, shall be settled in accordance with the Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation of the Institute for Christian Conciliation (Peacemaker Ministries). See www.HisPeace.org. However, if both SMI and the member agree, the dispute may be submitted to a randomly selected panel of members instead. In all events a member will have available the same relief as a court could grant. SMI will pay all of the arbitrator's fees and costs unless the arbitration determines there was no reasonable basis for the member's complaint.

    3. You and SMI Agree Not to Go to Court

      4. You understand that these methods shall be the sole remedy for any controversy or claim arising out of your relationship with SMI and expressly waive your right to file a lawsuit in any civil court against SMI, its employees, members, associate members and directors, for such disputes, except to enforce an arbitration decision obtained under paragraphs A or B. This also includes any determinations as to whether the matter in dispute comes within this arbitration agreement or can be required to be arbitrated. Judgment upon an arbitration award under either paragraphs A or B may be entered only in the Circuit Court of Peoria County, Illinois.

      Resolving disputes within the Body of Christ is always the command of Scripture and in the interest of all our members (I Corinthians 6). Therefore, even if SMI or a member participates to some extent in a court proceeding regarding a matter in dispute, this participation will not be forfeiting the ability to later demand that the dispute be resolved by these arbitration procedures.

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  13. Amending the Guidelines
    1. Procedures. These Guidelines may be amended by the Samaritan Ministries Board of Directors. The Board has the option of first taking an advisory vote of the members.
    2. Effective Date. Amendments to the Guidelines will go into effect as soon as administratively practical or as designated by the Board. If you have a need which began before the change was adopted, the publishing of bills related to that need will be determined by the Guidelines as they existed on the date the bills were incurred. However, bills related to a member's need that would have been publishable under the Guidelines in effect when a need began, will remain publishable regardless of subsequent Guideline changes.
    3. Notice of Amendments. Members will be notified of changes to the Guidelines in the monthly newsletter, through postings on the ministry website, or by provision of updated Guidelines booklets when they are notified that their Membership Continuation Form is coming due.

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The members of Samaritan Ministries' Christian Health Care Newsletter share in needs up to $250,000. For those who want to help bear burdens that exceed $250,000, there is Save to Share™.


  1. Participation Requirements
    1. Only members of SMI through the Christian Health Care Newsletter (CHCN) are eligible to participate in the Save to Share™ ministry.
    2. Each household must participate in Save to Share™ with the same level of membership (single, couple, single-parent family, or two-parent family) as they have in CHCN.
    3. In addition to the annual administrative fee, each participating household must set aside funds that will be dedicated for use in the Save to Share™ program. The current annual household amount required to be set aside is $133 for singles, $266 for couples and single-parent families, and $399 for two-parent families.

      Voting - Set-aside amounts can only be raised by a vote of the Save to Share™ participants with a 60 percent majority of the weighted votes cast required for approval.
    4. Any unused funds remaining at the end of a year's participation are to be held for future needs if the household continues participation, and the household will be asked to set aside an additional full year's amount for the new year. (A household will not be asked to add any amount that brings the total set aside to more than three times the current annual set-aside amount.)
    5. An annual administrative fee (currently $15) will be required from each participating household. This fee is separate from the set-aside amount and is paid to SMI.
    6. The funds set aside are the property of the member and will be used at the member's voluntary discretion. If the member ceases participation in the Save to Share™ ministry, unused funds will remain the property of the member.
    7. Financial Difficulties - If your financial situation changes and you believe you will not be able to continue giving through Save to Share™, please contact your Member Services team immediately so that future Save to Share™ needs will not be assigned to you.

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  2. Need Sharing
    1. All of the responsibilities of members and the requirements for submitting needs as set forth in the CHCN Guidelines apply similarly to Save to Share™ participants except when the Save to Share™ Guidelines specifically provide otherwise.
    2. Only needs eligible for publication in CHCN will be qualified to be published in Save to Share™. The only CHCN publishable needs that would not qualify for publication in Save to Share™ are needs resulting from:
      1. A heart condition or diabetes that existed prior to joining Save to Share™; or
      2. Any other condition that developed while a person was a member of SMI, but before they joined (or rejoined) Save to Share™, and a 12-month period without symptoms, treatment, or medication had not elapsed (seven years for a type of cancer). Such a 12-month (or seven years) period is also required for a condition which developed while a person participated in Save to Share™, if the person later dropped out of Save to Share™ and then rejoined.
      Note: Members of SMI who joined Save to Share™ prior to January 1, 2004 are able to have published needs from conditions that began prior to their Save to Share™ participation but first occurred after they became SMI members.
    3. Save to Share™ needs will only by published in months when there is a qualified need to share.
    4. New SMI members who join Save to Share™ at the same time as they join CHCN will not be asked to share in Save to Share™ needs until they begin sharing with regular needs.
    5. When a CHCN member who participates in Save to Share™ has a publishable need that is more than $250,000, the amount of that need that exceeds $250,000 will be eligible for publication to other Save to Share™ participants. It will only be the amount of the need over $250,000 that is published even though the CHCN Guidelines may not have published all of the first $250,000 of the need due to proration or a special limit. See Section IX.

      Large needs frequently are the result of the reality that most health care providers charge patients without insurance substantially more than insured patients. Therefore, Save to Share™ needs are not published until satisfactory negotiations with providers toward reductions in bills have occurred.
    6. In order to have a Save to Share™ need published, a Save to Share™ participant must have the appropriate amount set aside, must have given to all Save to Share™ needs that have been assigned to him, must be current in sharing with all CHCN needs assigned to him, and must be a member in good standing of SMI, current with all annual fees. A Save to Share™ participant who does not send his share after two notices may be removed from participation and, once removed, will not be eligible for reinstatement.
    7. Needs that qualify for publication will be divided among participating households in proportion to the amounts set aside by Save to Share™ participants by year.

      Example: If a Save to Share™ participant has a publishable need of $350,000 after negotiations, the first $250,000 would be published in CHCN according to those Guidelines (including implementation of the prorata provision if necessary). The remaining $100,000 would be published in Save to Share™. If the total amount set aside by participants for the current year is $500,000, then each household would be asked to share 20 percent ($100,000/$500,000) of their current year set-aside amount balance.

      So a couple which had not yet shared for the current year would be asked to share $266 x .20 = $53.20.
    8. If the amount of one need qualifying for publication in Save to Share™ exceeds half of the funds for the current year held by the participants at the time of publication, only half of these funds will be assigned for sharing. Funds held from the previous years would then be assigned to the remaining unmet portion of the need, up to half of these funds.

      Example: After the example in II.G, there is another need amounting to $300,000 (after the first $250,000 was published under the CHCN Guidelines).

      There is $400,000 available in the current year set-aside amount after publishing the need in the II.G example. Only $200,000 of the $300,000 need will be allocated to the current year to stay within the half limitation mentioned above ($200,000/$400,000 = 50 percent). So the married couple that now has remaining $212.80 set aside for the current year ($266 minus $53.20 to the II.G example need), will be asked to share 50 percent of the balance, i.e. $106.40 with the second need.

      If the previous years' set-aside balance is $300,000, then those Save to Share™ members with previous years' set-aside amounts will be asked to share 1/3 of that balance ($100,000/$300,000) with the second Save to Share™ need to help with the remaining $100,000.

      If at any time there are multiple Save to Share™ needs in process, and the order in which they are published could affect the maximum amount published for a particular need, then the need given priority for calculating the publishable amount will be the need for which the properly completed form (and all required documentation) first arrived.
    9. Giving to Save to Share™ needs is done through the monthly newsletter mailing. The publishable amount of the Save to Share™ need is determined and then divided proportionally among all Save to Share™ member households according to their level of membership (i.e. single, couple, family). The correct Save to Share™ amount is then added to the regular share amount for each of these Save to Share™ households.

      The Save to Share™ gifts are added to the total amount of share money available, and then enough of this larger amount is assigned to selected Save to Share™ members to be given to the Save to Share™ need(s). The other Save to Share™ members are directed to send their entire amounts (including the Save to Share™ amount) to regular needs. In this way the members with Save to Share™ needs receive the amount they should receive, but instead of being inundated with a large number of small gifts coming from every Save to Share™ member, they receive a more manageable number of larger gifts.

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  3. Amending and Mediating the
    Save to Share™ Guidelines
    1. These Guidelines may be amended by the Samaritan Ministries Board of Directors. The Board has the option of taking an advisory vote of the Save to Share™ participants.
    2. If a member disagrees with a determination made by the Samaritan Ministries staff regarding a need, they may ask for the matter to be submitted to 13 randomly chosen Save to Share™ participants.
    3. Any disputes remaining after this resolution process will be handled using the mediation/ arbitration procedures specified in the CHCN Guidelines, Section XII.B and C.

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