Setting the Story Straight on Healthshare Plans and Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs)

I guess it’s not enough that we have to deal with a global health crisis on top of an already-crumbling healthcare system. We’ve also got to deal with talk-show hosts, TV talking heads, and quasi-celebrities all working to stir up a controversy that doesn’t need to exist.

In one of his most recent segments, HBO’s John Oliver rails against low-cost healthshare plans. As usual, his only real goal is to generate outrage, and therefore, more viewers.

Now, I can appreciate good satire as much as the next guy. But when Mr. Oliver uses his platform to disparage the millions of Americans who are just trying to save a few bucks with health sharing, you’re damn right that I’m going to have some thoughts.

I’m here to set the record straight. Health sharing plans aren’t the demon that he makes them out to be. In fact, they’re more effective than ever at changing the way we pay for healthcare in this country.

For Starters …What is Health Care Cost Sharing?

Health care cost sharing plans, known more commonly as Healthshare, are an innovative alternative to insurance. Offered by Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs), these plans provide a more flexible, more affordable option for people who are struggling to pay for the cost of healthcare.

In recent years, health sharing plans have become more popular than ever before. As a result, the American healthcare machine (hospitals and insurance companies) have been doing everything in their power to keep this alternative from cutting into their profits.

John Oliver says: Health sharing plans have “significant drawbacks”

The truth: Health sharing plans do have more restrictions than health insurance. Most significantly, many healthshare plans have waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, and more limited benefits when it comes to preventive care.

But these drawbacks are also what makes healthshare plans so much more affordable than unsubsidized insurance. For people who are in pretty good health and don’t use their health coverage that much, the savings can be pretty incredible.

John Oliver Says: Healthshare plans won’t cover routine care, substance abuse, or mental health

The truth: This is one of the biggest myths about HCSMs and healthshare plans. As more and more Americans are switching to health sharing, HCSMs are realizing that things like routine care, preventive care, and mental health services are more important than ever.

If you want a health sharing plan with preventive care benefits, you can get one. If you want a plan that lets you see a doctor for routine care, you can get one. If you want one that does not cover those things but is less expensive, you can get that, too!

Mr. Oliver will have you believe that all health sharing plans are the same. That’s just not true. There are new plans hitting the market all the time, giving consumers more choice and flexibility than they have ever had.

Compare Pricing on the Best HealthShare Plans Available

John Oliver Says: The most that a healthshare plan can cover is $250,000

The truth: Sure, there are some health sharing plans that have an annual sharing limit of $250,000. On the other hand, there are plans that have no limits whatsoever.

This is what Mr. Oliver doesn’t want you to know: Healthshare plans are more diverse and flexible than ever. Most HCSMs have multiple plan options that can be tailored to fit your needs. If you are interested in health sharing but don’t want to feel limited, we can get you into a plan with no lifetime sharing limits. It really is that easy.

John Oliver Says: Healthshare plans are ruthless in denying coverage

The truth: Let’s get one thing straight: Mr. Oliver spends almost the entire segment talking about Aliera, a health care sharing ministry that has been embroiled in multiple controversies over the years. This might make for good TV programming, but it’s hardly the whole story.

At HSA for America, we make sure that our clients are only getting access to the best and most reliable healthcare products. That’s why we stopped offering Aliera plans several years ago.

It’s no coincidence that Mr. Oliver didn’t even mention our most popular carriers. That’s because they’re the ones that are actually working for people, and it would have taken some of the steam out of his narrative.

We like to make sure that our clients have a lot of options to choose from. But when we’re looking into a new HSCM or health insurance carrier, we take the time to make sure that it’s a quality product and a quality company. You can rest assured that we’re always looking for a better option on your behalf.

John Oliver Says: We have to do more to reduce the cost of healthcare in America

The truth: At the beginning of his segment, Mr. Oliver states that here in America, “We do healthcare the wrong way.” Well, at least we can agree on something.

The truth is, the mere fact that HCSMs exist is proof that our healthcare system is totally broken. After all, why would Americans be so desperate for a different option if their healthcare was actually affordable?

It’s true that healthshare plans aren’t for everybody. It’s true that there is usually a waiting period for pre-existing conditions, and more limitations with things like preventive care. But there is no question that these plans can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars per year over traditional unsubsidized insurance. At the same time, they’re giving you the protection you need in case you get hurt or sick.

No, it’s not a perfect system. But neither is health insurance. That’s why we need to make sure that Americans have as many options on the table as possible. That’s what we mean when we talk about healthcare freedom, and nobody is going to stop us from fighting for it.

Talk to a real professional about lowering your monthly healthcare costs with health care sharing

When it comes to healthshare plans, let’s leave the late-night sensationalism behind, and get you in touch with a real professional.

Your Personal Benefits Manager is an expert resource for saving you money on healthcare, whether it’s through traditional insurance, a Health Savings Account (HSA), or a low-cost healthshare plan. Whatever you need, we’re here to make it easier and more affordable every step of the way.

Call 800-913-0172 to setup a free consultation. You can also click here to run a free quote on low-cost health sharing plans in your area.

Here are some additional articles on healthsharing programs: All You Need to Know About Healthshare Programs – Review & Video | How a Christian Healthcare Sharing Ministry Can Benefit Your Church, and It’s Congregation

Here are some additional pages related to this article: Healthshare FAQs | Healthshare Plans