Health Shares

A healthshare is a nonprofit, membership-based program where individuals and families share medical expenses with a community of like-minded participants. Unlike traditional health insurance, healthshares are not regulated by state insurance departments and do not guarantee coverage. Instead, members contribute a monthly "share" that is used to pay for eligible medical expenses of other members. Healthshares often have lower costs than traditional insurance but may have limitations on pre-existing conditions, specific treatments, and provider networks.

When you join a health share, you pay a monthly contribution (similar to a premium). When a member of the community has an eligible medical expense, the funds from other members' contributions are used to help pay for it. Most health shares have a "personal responsibility amount" (similar to a deductible) that you pay before the community begins sharing your expenses. After that, eligible expenses are shared according to the program's guidelines. You typically have the freedom to choose any doctor or hospital, since health shares don't use traditional insurance networks.

Health shares are popular among those seeking an alternative to ACA marketplace plans, particularly individuals who are generally healthy and want lower monthly costs. They can be a good fit for: Self-employed individuals and families looking for affordable coverage. People who are generally healthy and don't have significant pre-existing conditions. Those who align with the community-based, values-driven approach of health sharing. However, health shares are not traditional insurance and come with important differences. We'll help you understand the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision about whether a health share is right for your situation.