Health sharing plans are a great option for people who want to save money on their healthcare costs. They serve the same purpose as traditional health insurance plans.
But they’re available for significantly less money per month compared to the unsubsidized costs of traditional health insurance plans.
In this blog post, we will compare two of the most popular health sharing plans we represent: JHS Community’s DIVINE plan and netWell Healthshare.
We will discuss each plan’s most valuable features and benefits. We will also help you decide which plan is right for you.
By the end of this blog post, you will know:
- What health sharing plans are and how they work
- The features and benefits of each plan
- How each of these plans are structured and priced
- How to choose the plan that best suits your needs
When it comes to securing your health and well-being, the options can feel overwhelming.
But if you’re looking to keep your monthly costs down, two of our most popular plans stand out as providing excellent value to certain people: JHS Community and netWell Healthshare.
Let’s dive in.
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Health Sharing, Explained
Health sharing is a non-insurance alternative to traditional health insurance.
It is a way for people to pool their money together to pay for medical expenses.
Health sharing organizations are not insurance companies, and they do not provide health insurance. Instead, they act as a third party that helps to facilitate the sharing of medical costs among their members.
There are a few key differences between health sharing and traditional health insurance:
First, health sharing is not regulated by the government like traditional health insurance. This means that health sharing organizations have more flexibility in how they operate and what they include.
Second, health sharing plans typically have lower monthly costs than traditional health insurance plans. This is because health sharing organizations do not have to cover as many medical expenses as traditional health insurance companies. Health sharing plans can practice medical underwriting, and are not obligated to take on costs to treat pre-existing conditions.
It is important to note that health sharing is not the same thing as health insurance. Instead, it’s an alternative to traditional insurance products that has its own set of pros and cons.
If you are considering health sharing, it is important to understand how it works and what sharing benefits it does and does not include before you enroll.
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What JHS Community DIVINE and netWell Have In Common
While JHS Community and netWelll Healthshare each have their own unique offerings, they share several key similarities.
First and foremost, both JHS Community and netWell Healthshare operate on the principle of community-driven healthcare.
Instead of traditional insurance models, which rely on premiums and deductibles, these health sharing plans pool resources from members to cover medical expenses. This community-centric approach fosters a sense of solidarity and mutual support among members, reflecting a shared commitment to the well-being of all.
Like all health sharing plans, both JHS Community and netWell are non-profit, 501(c)(3) entities, not for-profit corporations. This means that they are able to redirect capital back into their health sharing benefits and operations. This gives them a significant cost structure advantage compared to traditional for-profit health insurance companies.
Speaking of cost, both plans can save thousands of dollars a year compared to unsubsidized health insurance premiums. If you and your family are among the millions of Americans who don’t qualify for an “Obamacare” subsidy to help you pay for health insurance premiums on Marketplace policy, you can join either of these plans for up to 50% less per month compared to an ACA-qualified plan.
Both plans let you choose your own doctor. Unlike many traditional insurance plans that limit providers and networks, both JHS Community and netWell allow members to seek care from any licensed healthcare provider in the United States.
This means you have the freedom to choose the doctors, specialists, and facilities that best suit your needs, without being confined to the narrow networks of an HMO.
Both plans offer robust sharing arrangements for eligible medical expenses, including hospitalizations and surgeries.
Members of JHS Community’s DIVINE plan and netWell Healthshare can rest assured knowing that their medical costs are shared among the community, providing a safety net in times of need.
Overall, while JHS Community and netWell Healthshare may have their own unique features and nuances, their shared commitment to community, flexibility, and comprehensive sharing arrangements make them both attractive options for individuals and families seeking alternative healthcare solutions.
About netWell
netWell Healthshare is a nonprofit Christian health care sharing ministry headquartered in Norcross, Georgia.
Unlike some similar organizations, netWell does not require adherence to specific religious beliefs or attendance at religious services.
It emphasizes inclusivity and allows members to choose their own healthcare providers without network restrictions.
This approach provides flexibility and freedom of choice for individuals and families who want to see independent doctors, and who are seeking alternative healthcare solutions.
Read More: Netwell Health Share Plans
netWell Plan Tiers
Elite+
The netWell Elite+ plan offers comprehensive coverage, spanning from primary care to catastrophic hospitalizations and surgeries.
It features a souped-up annual cost-sharing limit of $1 million, and a lifetime cost-sharing limit of $2 million.
Members can choose from annual member responsibility amounts of $2,500, $5,000, or $10,000.
Elite+ also features several sharing benefits not included in the Advantage tier, including:
- Telecounseling
- Preventive/routine screening
- PCP / Specialist / Urgent Care / Wellness Visits
- Chronic disease maintenance.
There’s another netWell plan tier called “Advantage,” but it’s designed as a catastrophic-only plan.
netWell Member Responsibility Amounts
Your member responsibility amount, or MRA, is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket before your plan’s cost sharing benefits will kick in. Costs incurred above your chosen MRA are usually 100% shareable, unless they’re for a pre-existing condition as defined in your member guidelines, or specifically excluded there.
Additionally, the Elite+ tier provides access to a wide range of discount services, including dental, vision, LASIK, diabetic supplies, and gym memberships.
This tier is suitable for those who desire more extensive sharing benefits and are willing to pay higher upfront costs for enhanced benefits and peace of mind.
If you need to see your primary care physician or a specialist regularly, or you have a chronic health condition, or you don’t have significant savings in the bank but you can afford a higher monthly contribution, the Elite+ tier may be a better match for you than Advantage.
Cost
- The netWell Advantage plan costs as little as $195 per month.
- The Elite+ plan costs as little as $269 per month.
Compare these costs with the after-subsidy (if any) cost of a traditional ACA-qualified Marketplace health plan. For most people, the savings are substantial. Especially if you don’t qualify for a large Obamacare subsidy.
to: About JHS Community – DIVINE
JHS Community DIVINE is one of the most compelling health share plans on the market.
It doesn’t try to cover everything and be all things to all people.
Instead, JHS Community’s DIVINE program is tailored to those who are in good health, but who can absorb the risk of potential out-of-pocket expenses of $10,000 to $15,000 in the event they need care.
By keeping monthly costs at rock-bottom levels, JHS Community appeals to individuals who prioritize keeping their healthcare expenses manageable while still ensuring financial protection against catastrophic medical events.
Read More: JHS Community Health Share
JHS Community DIVINE Plan Tiers
JHS Community’s DIVINE plan comes in three plan tiers: DISTINCT, DIVERSE, and DYNAMIC.
Here’s a closer look at each plan.
| Plan Tier | MRA Options | Monthly Cost | Sharing After MRA | Maternity Benefits | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DISTINCT | $2,500, $5,000, or $10,000 per family membe | Lowest | Up to 50% of next $10,000 in medical costs per family member | Not included | Individuals/families in good health, comfortable with potential out-of-pocket expenses |
| DIVERSE | $2,500, $5,000, or $10,000 per family member | Balanced | Up to 80% of next $10,000 in medical costs per family member before converting to 100% sharing | Includes coverage for up to $8,000 for single or multiple births, additional $40,000 for life-threatening conditions | Individuals/families seeking comprehensive coverage while keeping monthly costs relatively low |
| DYNAMIC | $2,500, $5,000, or $10,000 per family member | Highest | Shares 100% of surgery costs, hospitalization costs, and imaging/lab services costs after meeting MRA | Includes coverage for up to $12,000 for single or multiple births, additional $40,000 for life-threatening conditions | Individuals/families prioritizing comprehensive coverage without cost-sharing after meeting MRA |
Comparing Maternity and Childbirth Benefits
| Benefit | JHS Community | netWell Healthshare |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage for Maternity Expenses | Available in DIVERSE and DYNAMIC tiers only | Available in Elite+ tier only |
| Shareable Costs for Normal Delivery | Up to $8,000, additional $40,000 for life-threatening conditions* | Fully shareable up to $15,000 |
| Shareable Costs for C-Section Delivery | Up to $8,000, additional $40,000 for life-threatening conditions* | Fully shareable up to $15,000 |
| Waiting Period for Maternity Benefits | Must be sharing member for a minimum of 9 months prior to conception | 6-month waiting period prior to conception |
| Additional Requirements | Both spouses must be members in the same plan | Both spouses must be members in the same plan |
Care Networks
netWell use the PHCS/Multi-Plan network, which is a vast network of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers that have agreed to provide discounted pricing for plan members.
JHS Community also uses the PHCS/Multi-Plan network in many states, but also uses the First Health network in states where that network offers more providers.
You are not limited to seeing providers within this network. Both health share plans allow you to use your benefits with any provider you choose. However, going out of network could result in higher out-of-pocket costs.
Pre-existing Conditions
All health share plans impose waiting periods on pre-existing conditions before costs for treating these conditions are shareable. However, the details differ with each health sharing plan.
If you or a member of your family has pre-existing conditions, here is what you need to know for both JHS DIVINE and netWell.
JHS Community :
- Imposes a 24-month waiting period or more on pre-existing conditions.
- A 12-month waiting period applies for all in-patient and surgical procedures regarding pre-existing conditions.
netWell Healthshare:
- netWell imposes a waiting period for pre-existing conditions, typically lasting 24 months.
Annual and Lifetime Sharing Limits
Like most health share plans in general, both JHS Community and netWell have annual and lifetime sharing limits.
JHS’s DIVINE Plan limits vary by tier as follows:
- DISTINCT shares up to $250,000 per member per year, with a lifetime limit of $1 million.
- DIVERSE increases these sharing limits to $750,000 annually and $2 million lifetime.
- DYNAMIC shares up to $1 million annually and $3 million over your lifetime.
netWell’s sharing limits are as follows:
- Advantage shares up to $250,000 per plan member per year, and up to $1 million over a lifetime.
- Elite+ shares up to $500,000 per member per year, and up to $2 million over a lifetime.
Which Plan is Best for Smokers?
netWell and JHS Community are among the few health sharing plans that will accept current tobacco users. With netWell, tobacco users will pay a $40 surcharge. For JHS, smoker rates are also higher, varying by age.”
When Can I Sign Up?
You can sign up for either JHS Community or netWell at any time during the year.. Unlike traditional health insurance products, health share plans do not have any open enrollment restrictions or special enrollment periods.
You just have to be aware of any waiting periods that apply for pre-existing conditions, as health sharing is medically underwritten.
Compare Pricing on the Best HealthShare Plans Available
Summary
Health sharing is a great option for people who want to save money on their healthcare costs.
Both plans offer a variety of features and benefits, and both have their own pros and cons.
JHS Community’s DIVINE program is an excellent choice for those in good health, who don’t need to see a doctor often, and who can afford to write a check for $10,000 to $15,000 if they need care.
It is not as good a match if you have a chronic or pre-existing condition that needs care or management, as your out-of-pocket costs for that care would predictably more than offset your savings from having a low contribution amount.
netWell’s Elite+ tier is the way to go if you want a more comprehensive health sharing plan that includes more primary care and preventive care services. If you think you might skip care or screenings because of the out-of-pocket costs, then you might want to go with netWell Elite(+)
If you qualify for a significant subsidy under the Affordable Care Act, or if you have preexisting conditions that you want covered right away, the best course of action for you may not be healthsharing at all, but to go with a traditional health insurance policy.
If you are not sure which plan is right for you, or you want to consider other options, don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation with one of our expert Personal Benefits Advisors.
For Further Reading: Best Health Share Plans Comparison Guide | Health Sharing for Small Businesses – What Business Owners Need to Know | The Best Catastrophic-Only Health Share Plan on the Market: JHS DIVINE | netWell Cost Sharing – Medical Cost Sharing to Fit Your Lifestyle | Best Low-Cost Catastrophic Health Share Plan: Altrua’s RUBY vs. JHS Community Healthshare
