Health Sharing in a Nutshell
A health care sharing ministry (HCSM) is a group of people who share a common set of beliefs and agree to share each other's medical expenses. Members make monthly contributions (called "shares") that are used to pay for other members' eligible medical bills.
Health sharing is not insurance. There are no legally binding guarantees that your bills will be paid. Instead, the sharing community voluntarily pools resources to help members with medical costs. That said, established programs have strong track records of sharing millions in medical bills each month.
How Does Health Sharing Work?
- Choose a program and plan level. Each health sharing program offers different monthly share amounts and coverage levels. You'll select based on your budget, family size, and healthcare needs.
- Pay your monthly share. This is similar to a monthly premium, typically ranging from $93 to $600+ per month depending on your program and household size. This money goes into a shared pool (or directly to members in need).
- Receive medical care when needed. Many programs have PPO networks (like PHCS/MultiPlan) that give you access to negotiated rates. Others allow you to use any provider.
- Pay your Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA). This is similar to a deductible — the amount you pay out-of-pocket before sharing kicks in. IUAs typically range from $300 to $10,500 per incident.
- Submit eligible bills for sharing. After meeting your IUA, you submit medical bills to your program. Eligible expenses are shared (paid) by the community, often up to $1,000,000 per incident.
Who is Health Sharing For?
Health sharing programs are popular with several groups:
Self-Employed & Freelancers
Without employer coverage, marketplace plans can be expensive. Health sharing offers a more affordable alternative for self-employed individuals.
Families
Family coverage through the marketplace can exceed $1,500/month. Health sharing family plans often cost $300-600/month — significant savings.
Early Retirees
The gap between employer coverage and Medicare eligibility (at 65) is expensive. Health sharing bridges this gap affordably.
Gig Workers
Uber drivers, DoorDash couriers, and other gig economy workers often lack affordable health coverage options.
Faith Communities
Many health sharing ministries are faith-based, attracting members who want healthcare aligned with their religious values.
Cost-Conscious Consumers
Generally healthy individuals who want catastrophic coverage without paying traditional insurance premiums.
Health Sharing vs. Traditional Insurance
| Feature | Health Sharing | Traditional Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $93–$600 | $300–$1,800+ |
| Legally Guaranteed | No (voluntary) | Yes (contractual) |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Waiting period (6-36 mo) | Covered immediately |
| Open Enrollment | Join anytime | Annual enrollment only |
| Provider Networks | Varies (PPO or any) | HMO/PPO networks |
| ACA Compliant | No (exempt) | Yes |
| Preventive Care | Varies by program | Typically included |
| Max Coverage | Up to $1M/incident | No annual limits |
| Lifestyle Requirements | Many programs have them | None |
Important Things to Know
⚠️ Not Insurance
Health sharing programs are not insurance and don't have to follow insurance regulations. There's no legal guarantee your bills will be shared, though established programs have strong track records.
⏰ Pre-Existing Conditions
Most programs have waiting periods of 6-36 months before pre-existing conditions are eligible for sharing. This is a major difference from ACA-compliant insurance.
🏥 Coverage Limitations
Many programs don't cover mental health, substance abuse, or preventive care. Dental and vision are rarely included. Read the fine print carefully.
✝️ Lifestyle Requirements
Faith-based programs may require you to sign a statement of faith, attend church regularly, or abstain from certain behaviors. Non-religious options exist but are newer.
Ready to Compare Programs?
Now that you understand how health sharing works, use our comparison tool to find the right program for your situation.