Sarah wrote: “My husband lost his job in April and we are now in a big financial mess. After our house and what to do with it, we are trying to figure out what to do for medical insurance. I work but it’s not near enough to cover our expenses and insurance through my employer is $888/month which is a huge chunk of my paycheck so it isn’t an option. I love your blog because it helps me find the best deals!”

Hi Sarah! I completely understand your situation.  My husband’s former job would have cost us over $500 to insure our family. We found a program that we loved called Samaritan Ministries. ~ The Bargain Shopper Lady

A Health Insurance Alternative: Samaritan Ministries.

A few years ago, we decided to try a program called Samaritan Ministries. The cost is $295 a month for an entire family (3 or more). As a member of Samaritans Ministries, any visit over $300, will be reimbursed to us with a $300 deductible.

Any visit under $300, we pay cash. Doctors visits run us $44 a sick visit and $108 a well visit. We can get our shots at the doctor for $12 each or go to our local rec center and get them for $3 each. (Also check with your local library.) If the boys need three shots, going to the rec center would save us $25. I have done both and I have found that the rec center nurses have amazing rious “shot giving” skills. My son didn’t even cry one time, the nurse was that good at administering shots.

We have also learned that if the boys injure themselves (and it is not life threatening) to take them directly to a pediatric specialist. This skips the ER visit and can save thousands of dollars. Samaritans Ministries also gives us a $100 referral credit for anyone you refer to them. Samaritans Ministries has been a huge blessing for us and we love them!