Why SMI? It’s affordable and it works

Jim and Elizabeth McGarvey joined Samaritan Ministries in August 2003 for a practical reason—they could afford it. Jim had just resigned from the pastorate, and it fit what he was looking for in health care for his family. They have stayed with Samaritan for a practical reason—it works. According to the McGarveys, Samaritan has “worked very well” in communicating as an organization and in sharing medical expenses, but especially in providing spiritual encouragement through fellow members.

One of the ways the McGarveys appreciate SMI is that they are able to discuss their needs with Samaritan staff. Jim has called for help about what qualifies and what doesn’t. “Sometimes I see it their way, and sometimes they see it my way, but it all gets worked out. We’ve always been able to discuss it and come to an understanding.” He is also pleased by the process of selecting board members. “Samaritan leadership is very careful about who they are looking for and give good guidelines for those stepping into that position. And that is so different from the commercial world.”

Financially, the McGarveys know what it’s like to have bills in the tens of thousands and see those bills completely met. Because they negotiate, they’ve had very little or nothing out-of-pocket for any of their needs. Elizabeth feels you get more for your money with Samaritan, because your medical and financial needs are met, and you have the added benefit of others praying for your healing. Jim adds, “Samaritan is the spiritual wedded with the practical.”

Both Jim and Elizabeth believe the most important facet of Samaritan Ministries is the spiritual. They appreciate that Samaritan is “Biblically based” and “does not support abortion in any way.” Elizabeth values the encouragement to share and to pray for people and to have them praying for you. “The personal touch with the notes helps people realize that there really are people out there praying for you,” Jim says. “You can’t discount that.”

When Jim went on Medicare he added a policy to help pay for prescription drugs, but kept his Samaritan membership. “It’s worked well for me, now that that I’m on Medicare,” he says. “We’ve been blessed to be a part of Samaritan Ministries. It has served us well over the years.”