Kentucky Judge Grants Christians-Only Medi-Share Reprieve Until January

A Christians-only health insurance plan will be allowed to continue coverage for Kentucky members until Jan. 1.

Franklin County Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate made that decision on Wednesday. It means some 800 Kentuckians who are part of Florida-based Medi-Share program have another two months of coverage.

Wingate had ordered Medi-Share to cease operations in Kentucky because it doesn’t comply with state insurance regulations.

Medi-Share closely resembles secular insurance, but only allows participation by churchgoers who pledge to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, drugs and sex outside of marriage.

Medi-Share contends that its members realize the program isn’t traditional insurance but a charitable endeavor to help cover medical bills of fellow Christians and potentially have their own expenses covered should the need arise.