Couple’s Hospital Bill Nightmare with Insurance Alternative

Couple Faces $24,000 Bill After Health Sharing Ministry Fails

Las Vegas residents Anita and Steven Thornton are sharing their story of distress and frustration after a health care sharing ministry, Meta Share, failed to cover a $24,000 hospital bill for a single night’s stay. The couple turned to Meta Share because traditional health insurance premiums were too high. They believed they had protection, but their experience highlights potential pitfalls of these unregulated alternatives.

A Scary Night and a Shocking Bill

Steven Thornton’s health crisis began almost two years ago when he was rushed to the hospital one night. Doctors initially believed he might need emergency surgery, a prospect that filled him with fear.

Thankfully, surgery was not necessary, but the relief was short-lived when the bill arrived. The cost for his one-night hospital stay was a staggering $24,000.

Trusting an Alternative to Insurance

The Thorntons had signed up for Meta Share, a health care sharing ministry, hoping it would offer a more affordable solution than traditional insurance. These ministries operate differently from insurance companies.

They are not regulated in the same way and clearly state upfront that they are not insurance. Instead, payments are presented as voluntary contributions among members to a collective fund.

Members of Meta Share agree to certain lifestyle choices, such as avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol. They also attest to having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Anita Thornton explained that high insurance premiums on the open market drove them to seek alternatives like Meta Share.

Frustration and Silence

Despite their agreement and payments, the Thorntons found Meta Share unresponsive when it came to their substantial hospital bill. They tried working with the ministry for a full year, but received no assistance. The lack of communication left them feeling abandoned and desperate.

“It was so difficult and it was so frustrating that they didn’t help us,” Anita Thornton shared, her voice filled with emotion.

The situation grew so dire that Steven Thornton suggested contacting NBC News after seeing a segment on the “Cost of Denial.” This step marked a turning point in their struggle to get their bill addressed.

Intervention Brings Resolution

Once NBC News inquired about the Thorntons’ case, Meta Share’s response changed dramatically. The couple received a call from a Meta Share supervisor who apologized for their experience. The supervisor acknowledged that the lengthy delay was not what they wanted for their members.

Meta Share stated that the delay was caused by a combination of billing errors from the hospital provider, submission errors by the Thorntons, and administrative errors on Meta Share’s part. However, upon learning of the issue through the news inquiry, Meta Share processed the payment.

A Warning to Others

While the Thorntons eventually received help, they are determined to prevent others from enduring a similar ordeal. Their experience is a cautionary tale about the risks associated with health care sharing ministries. These organizations, while often cheaper than traditional insurance, do not offer the same protections and are not subject to the same regulations.

Andrea Mitchell, reporting on the story, noted that these programs are quite popular. However, she emphasized that while they may work for some individuals, it is crucial for people to understand that they are not insurance and lack the consumer protections that come with it. The lack of regulation means that members are not guaranteed coverage, and recourse can be difficult when problems arise.

Source: Couple battles insurance alternative over hospital bill (YouTube)