Shopping for health sharing programs can feel like diving into unknown waters, especially when you’re coming from the world of traditional health insurance where preventive care is covered.
One of the biggest questions on your mind might be, “Will my preventive care be shareable with a health sharing membership?”
It’s a valid question, especially when your health maintenance routine—those annual checkups, vaccinations, or regular dental visits—helps keep you on track.
Health sharing programs don’t always follow the same rules as insurance, so it’s worth digging a little deeper into how they handle preventive care services.
Understanding Preventive Care in Health Sharing Programs
Preventive care includes the services you schedule regularly to keep your health in check.
These are things like annual physicals, vaccines, and screenings that help you prevent or detect potential health issues early on.
Health sharing programs are typically built to assist with unexpected, high-cost medical events rather than routine care. However, some health sharing programs are starting to see the value in offering preventive care options, even though it’s not their primary focus.
When evaluating programs, be sure to check whether these services are included or if you’ll need to budget for them separately.
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Health Sharing Programs Designed for Major Medical Needs
Traditional insurance is structured to cover both routine and emergency healthcare.
Health sharing memberships are designed to help members during significant medical events such as surgeries, ER visits, or treatment for serious illnesses.
In many cases, regular checkups, dental cleanings, and age-related issues like hearing and vision exams fall outside what is considered “shareable” under most health sharing programs.
The idea is that you and other members pool resources to assist with major medical bills, while routine care remains a personal responsibility.
Member Benefits Beyond Medical Bills
Even though preventive care may not be shared under every health sharing program, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other benefits.
Many health sharing programs offer significant discounts for things like dental work, vision care, and even fitness programs. Some programs also provide access to mental health resources or wellness coaching.
Another perk of being a member of a health sharing program is that you often pay cash prices for medical services.
Cash-pay patients can sometimes negotiate lower rates, which can reduce your overall out-of-pocket expenses for routine care. This means you may still find ways to make preventive services more affordable, even if they aren’t part of the standard sharing program.
Learn more: How Much Money Can Health Sharing Save?
Preventive Care Benefits Across Major Health Sharing Programs
- Altrua HealthShare: Offers an annual wellness visit with members paying $35, shareable up to $300 on select plans.
- Medi-Share: Includes one annual wellness visit for $35 and unlimited telemedicine as part of membership.
- Liberty HealthShare: Shares annual wellness visits up to $400 per visit. After two months of membership, mammograms, prostate examinations, and Cologuard are shareable every other year or yearly after 50 years of age.
- OneShare Health: Covers preventive services and one wellness visit after a 180-day waiting period, up to $1,000 per year.
- Zion HealthShare: Annual provider visits are eligible for sharing from the membership start date, with additional preventive services such as colonoscopies, mammograms, and youth immunizations eligible for sharing after six months of membership.
Zion HealthShare is not an insurance company. Neither this publication nor membership in Zion HealthShare are offered by an insurance company. Visit zionhealthshare.org to view your state-specific notice.
If you’re considering one of these health sharing programs, it’s essential to verify the details of the specific membership you’re looking at, since offerings can vary based on membership type or recent changes.
Learn More: Myths and Misconceptions about Health Sharing Plan
Making the Most of Your Health Sharing Membership
When choosing a health sharing membership, weigh the cost savings against the potential gaps in preventive care.
Some members find that the money they save by switching from traditional insurance more than makes up for the extra they might spend on routine care. Others prefer to combine a health sharing membership with other affordable health services to fill in the gaps.
Before you commit, research each program thoroughly. Ask questions, read the fine print, and make sure you understand what’s shareable and what’s not.
If preventive care is a high priority for you, look for programs that offer at least some level of sharing or support for those services.
Compare Pricing on the Best HealthShare Memberships Available
Is a Health Sharing Membership Right for You?
Whether a health sharing membership is a good fit depends on your unique health needs and financial goals.
If preventive care is a priority for you, it’s important to weigh that in your decision. Remember, health sharing programs are primarily designed to handle unexpected, larger medical expenses.
If you would like help navigating your options, contact a Personal Benefits Manager at HSA For America for personalized guidance and support throughout the process.
For Further Reading:
Hi! I’m Mike Montes, and I’m one of your Personal Benefits Managers. I like working with HSA for America because we’re creating solutions to healthcare problems. Our focus on money-saving alternatives like HSA plans and health sharing programs, and the variety of health share programs we offer, are what set us apart. Read more about me on my Bio page.
