What is Christian insurance?

According to National Public Radio, Christian insurance is a designated health care sharing ministry comprised of members who share similar religious beliefs and agree to cover the costs of medical services as a group. It is one alternative to meeting the "individual mandate" required by the Affordable Care Act.

Christian insurance is not traditional insurance, warns National Public Radio, and there is no guarantee that all medical services received are covered. Rather, the group decides which services are paid based on shared Christian beliefs. Members pay a monthly fee and agree to meet health and lifestyle requirements established by the group.