Paying for health insurance

FunnyCamper wrote:
One thing I am researching right now is the Christian Healthcare ministries that are out there. They are approved as insurance and one incurs no penalty from the govt. Just kinda that radical change in how one pays for their bills and I just need more research etc but I see prems are way more affordable in this scenario. Another avenue to explore for us right now.

Be aware of the pitfalls. First, they require you to adhere to their self defined Christian Standards. I know one requirement is no tobacco or alcohol consumption. I don't know how they enforce such rules. But it sure would be a kick in the crotch if you had a serious, expensive condition and they decided not to cover you because they searched your Facebook page and found a photo of you at a backyard barbeque holding a Bud Light. They also have a somewhat nebulous requirement you always adhere to "Christian Values" Again, probably not an issue you if need broken arm set, but might be a big issue if you need a heart/lung transplant. If you were overweight, could they deny coverage because you obviously committed the sin of "Gluttony"? No one would ever buy a real insurance policy that had such fuzzy restrictions, just saying.
Oh, and if your income changes (and as a retired or self employed individual, you have many options to actually control the income value used to calculate eligibility for ACA subsidies) and you are eligible for those subsidies, you can only get them if you purchase your insurance through the ACA exchange for your state. The Christian Healthcare Ministries and similar programs are not eligible.
Finally, these plans are not vetted for financial strength, not backed by reinsurance from either the private sector or government entities. You are basically taking their word that they will pay. If they don't, you really don't have any recourse.
It will probably work out. But the exact reason we buy insurance is because things don't always work out as we plan. Something to keep in mind.