4. Health Share Plans
Health sharing ministries are non-insurance programs where members pool money to pay each other's medical bills. They are often faith-based.
Overview
- Not legally insurance — no guarantee of payment
- Monthly share contributions (not premiums)
- Most have an "unshareable amount" (their version of a deductible) — typically $1,500–$5,000
- No formal network — see any provider
- Exclusions for common needs: maternity (often), mental health, substance abuse, pre-existing conditions
- Every bill states that member payments are technically donations — not premiums. There is no legal obligation to pay claims.
- Reimbursement only — members pay the provider out of pocket and submit for reimbursement. There is no direct pay to providers.
Pros and Cons
|
Health Share Pros |
Health Share Cons |
|
Low monthly cost ($300–$500 for a couple) |
No legal guarantee — they can deny or reduce claims |
|
Broad provider access (no network restriction) |
Lifestyle agreements (some require no tobacco, alcohol) |
|
Community/faith-based model appeals to some clients |
Limited or no maternity, mental health, substance use coverage |
|
Good for very healthy individuals |
Not regulated as insurance — no consumer protections |
When a client asks about health shares, acknowledge them honestly. They can work for very healthy, low-utilization clients on a tight budget. But they are not appropriate for most households.