Nearly 2 million Americans have dropped health insurance, and switched to healthcare sharing ministries.
Are you curious about alternative ways to fund your healthcare expenses? If so, the evolving world of Healthcare Sharing Ministries (HSMs) and non-faith-based healthshare options may be exactly what you’re looking for. This guide seeks to demystify the concept of health sharing and highlight its potential benefits, irrespective of your faith or belief system.
Healthcare Sharing Ministries – An Overview
Healthcare Sharing Ministries are programs in which members pool their resources to help cover each other’s medical expenses.
While these were traditionally faith-based initiatives, an increasing number of secular healthshare options have sprung up, broadening the appeal of this unconventional approach to healthcare funding.
Faith-Based Health Sharing Programs
For decades, faith-based health sharing programs have provided a way for members of specific religious communities to share healthcare costs in a manner that aligns with their shared beliefs.
Members contribute a set amount each month, which is then distributed to fellow members facing medical expenses. The appeal of these programs lies not only in their cost-sharing aspect but also in the sense of community and mutual care they foster. Programs like Christian Healthcare Ministries, Samaritan Ministries, and Medi-Share are well-known examples of this model.
Read more about Faith Bases Health Sharing here.
Secular Healthshare Options
Just as faith-based health sharing programs have grown in popularity, so too have secular healthshare options.
Healthshares that don’t have a religious component are ideal for those who are attracted to the concept of cost-sharing but don’t align with a specific faith or prefer a non-religious approach. Secular healthshare options operate on the same basic principle of monthly contributions being used to support those in need of medical cost coverage.
Entities like Sedera Health and plans like the HSA Secure are pioneering this secular healthshare movement, providing community-focused, cost-effective alternatives to traditional health insurance..
Benefits & Considerations of Healthcare Sharing Ministries
Both faith-based and secular healthshare plans provide significant financial benefits, often offering much lower monthly costs compared to conventional health insurance. Healthshares also typically allow you to see the doctor of your choice – without having to stay in a restrictive HMO or PPO network.
However, it’s important to remember that these are not insurance plans, meaning they aren’t regulated by the same laws and protections. There is usually a waiting period before pre-existing conditions are covered, and there are usually limitations that don’t exist with health insurance. Therefore, understanding the terms and conditions of your chosen healthshare program is crucial before making a commitment.
Overall, Healthcare Sharing Ministries and secular healthshare options are a great alternative to traditional health insurance – especially for those who do not qualify for a large health insurance subsidy, are in relatively good health, and want more freedom of choice in their healthcare.
Compare Pricing on the Best HealthShare Plans Available
Healthcare Sharing Ministries FAQs
What is the main difference between a Healthcare Sharing Ministries and Traditional Health Insurance?
The key difference lies in the operational model.
Traditional health insurance involves paying premiums to an insurance company, which then pays for covered healthcare services according to your plan. On the other hand, in a Healthcare Sharing Ministry, members pool their resources and share each other’s medical costs.
While the financial outcome may be similar, it’s crucial to understand that healthcare sharing programs are not regulated by the same laws as traditional health insurance. This can impact aspects like coverage limits and protections for pre-existing conditions.
Can non-religious individuals join Healthcare Sharing Ministries?
Traditionally, Healthcare Sharing Ministries were rooted in specific faith communities. However, the concept has evolved and now includes secular healthshare options that don’t have a faith component.
These secular healthshare programs operate on the same cost-sharing principles but without religious affiliation. Entities like Sedera Health and plans like the HSA Secure are examples of these non-religious healthshare options.
Are all medical expenses covered in a Healthcare Sharing Ministries?
Not necessarily. Unlike traditional health insurance plans, Healthcare Sharing Ministries are not required to share for all types of medical services.
Each program has its own guidelines outlining which medical costs can be shared among members. It is not uncommon for healthsharing plans to exclude from sharing conditions like drug and alcohol abuse, injuries incurred while intoxicated, abortions, or gender reassignment surgery.
It’s also worth noting that most health sharing programs have waiting periods before certain conditions are covered. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the specifics of the healthcare sharing program before joining.
Here are some additional pages related to this article: 2025 Complete Guide to Small Business Healthcare Plans | Health Sharing Plans for Small Businesses
Wiley is President of HSA for America. He believes that consumers should have choice and price transparency, so they can make the best healthcare decisions for their needs. Read more about Wiley on his Bio page.
