Christians under the age of 65 are eligible to enroll, regardless of their immigration status
Choose from 4 plans ranging from $45 to $485 per month… Share up to $150,000
Korean Christians living in the United States can join the Christian Medical Mutual Aid Society (CMM) to receive medical expense assistance and participate in the ministry of sharing medical costs.
Matthew Lee, Regional Director, and Kang Dong-hoon, Deputy Director of Public Relations, recently visited the Chicago headquarters of the Christian Medical Mutual Aid Society to explain CMM’s founding mission and various benefits.
CMM was founded in 1996 by Logos Mission (Chairman Park Do-won). According to Director Lee, the organization has approximately 20,000 members nationwide, and its membership in Atlanta has been steadily growing, reaching about 1,000. Cumulative medical expenses total $100 million.
He explained that it is a “service by Koreans, for Koreans,” adding that patients can receive all guidance—including information on billing after medical expenses are incurred—entirely in Korean.
CMM is a “sharing ministry” organization, not a health insurance company, and therefore has no contracts or obligations with its members. Furthermore, it does not have designated hospitals or doctors, nor is its coverage limited to the United States; members can receive assistance for medical expenses incurred anywhere in the world—including in South Korea or while on pilgrimages to the Holy Land.
However, to become a member, you must be a Christian under the age of 65 who leads a “biblical marriage,” lives according to the teachings of the Bible, and refrains from smoking, excessive drinking, and the misuse or abuse of any drugs. Additionally, you can join as long as you have a residential address, regardless of your immigration status in the United States.
Deputy Director Kang Dong-hoon described the medical expense sharing program—which is available for a monthly fee—as “a program that gets better the more you learn about it.” Members can choose from four plans ranging from a monthly fee of $45 (1 unit) to $485 (3 units). All plans include coverage for surgery and hospitalization costs, and allow for the sharing of medical expenses up to $150,000 per illness (after one year of enrollment); however, deductibles, emergency room visits, health screenings, and coverage for pregnancy and childbirth vary by plan.
In addition, although the first three months after enrollment are considered a “waiting period,” if you are hospitalized during this time due to a sudden injury or surgery (such as COVID-19 or acute appendicitis), you can still receive up to $15,000 in medical expense coverage.
Deputy Director Kang said, “Although you can enroll, withdraw, or make changes at any time of the year, I recommend enrolling as soon as possible to take advantage of the great benefits.”
Matthew Lee, the branch manager, said, “Nationwide, many self-employed professionals—such as lawyers and accountants—are enrolling in CMM,” adding, “As the Korean community in Atlanta grows, I hope those who need assistance with medical expenses will consider this option.”
@JoongAng Ilbo (Atlanta), Reporter Yoon Ji-a
