Faith-Based Alternatives to Health Coverage

The Charlotte Observer reports that more Americans are participating in faith-based health plans. These health plans are not insurance, but rather charitable collections which are pooled and then distributed to participants according to need. "Faith care," as the plans is sometimes known, do not cover smaller expenses, but are instead more similar to catastrophic coverage.

This type of arrangement is becoming increasingly popular because of rising health insurance premiums. However, "faith care" is unregulated and it is possible that families could pay into the program and not receive benefits in their time of need.