opt out of obamacare without the fine

You don’t like Obamacare. I don’t either.

I have chosen to opt out.

Fines (the so-called individual shared responsibility payment) for opting are $95 for an individual in 2014, or 1 percent of household income, whichever is higher. They escalate to $695, or 2.5 percent of household income by 2016.

Fortunately I qualify for an exemption to the fines as a member of a recognized health care sharing ministry. On page 327 of Obamacare, a provision exempts members of three health care sharing ministries: Christian Care Medi-Share, Samaritan Ministries and Christian Healthcare Ministries. These faith-based non profit  ministries facilitate the sharing of health care needs by individuals and families.

I do not trust the Government to take care of my family’s health care needs. I trust God. In August 2013 my wife and I had our third child. The cost was about $8,000. Members of Samaritan Ministries met all of our needs. Financially, we received dozens of checks, covering the entire cost of the pregnancy and delivery. Emotionally and spiritually we received letters and cards and the prayers of believers from all over the country. Receiving from other members was a blessing. It was an amazing experience and I believe it is how healthcare should function.

I do not want to be coerced to pay for health care costs incurred by people whose lifestyle choices expose them to much higher risks. But I am happy to share in the burden of other believers who live a biblical lifestyle. Instead of paying an insurance company a premium, each month our family sends a check for $370 and a note of encouragement to a believer with a medical need. Sharing with other members is a blessing.

Not an entitlement, not a contractual obligation of an insurance company, a blessing.