Healthcare Sharing Ministries: Are They Right for You?

Healthcare Sharing Ministries (HCSMs) have grown dramatically as traditional insurance premiums have surged. These faith-based organizations offer an alternative way to pay for medical expenses, but they're very different from insurance.

Here's what you need to know before joining.

What Are Healthcare Sharing Ministries?

HCSMs are faith-based nonprofit organizations where members contribute monthly "shares" that are used to pay other members' medical bills. They are NOT insurance companies and are exempt from insurance regulations.

Major HCSMs include:

• Medi-Share: ~400,000 members

• Samaritan Ministries: ~280,000 members

• Christian Healthcare Ministries: ~250,000 members

• Liberty HealthShare: Smaller, more flexible options

How They Work

1. You pay a monthly "share" amount ($200-$500/month for individuals, $400-$1,000 for families)

2. When you have medical expenses, you submit them to the ministry

3. Other members' shares are directed to pay your bills

4. You may pay providers directly and get reimbursed

Cost Comparison

• HCSM monthly share: $200-$500 (individual), $400-$1,000 (family)

• ACA marketplace premiums: $400-$800+ (individual), $1,000-$2,000+ (family)

• Savings: Often 40-60% less than traditional insurance

The Pros

• Significantly lower monthly costs

• No network restrictions. See any provider

• Satisfies the ACA individual mandate exemption

• Community aspect appeals to many members

• Some cover alternative treatments not covered by insurance

The Cons (Important!)

Not Insurance:

• Payments are not guaranteed

• No legal obligation to pay your bills

• Can't sue if they don't pay

Pre-Existing Conditions:

• Most HCSMs don't share expenses for pre-existing conditions

• Waiting periods of 1-3 years are common

• Some conditions may never be eligible

Lifestyle Requirements:

• Most require you to affirm Christian beliefs

• May not cover costs related to tobacco, alcohol, or drug use

• May not cover unmarried pregnancy or certain lifestyle choices

Coverage Limitations:

• Annual or per-incident caps on sharing

• Mental health coverage is often limited or excluded

• Preventive care may not be covered

• Prescription coverage varies widely

Who Should Consider HCSMs

HCSMs may work well for:

• Healthy individuals and families

• Those with strong faith alignment with the ministry

• People priced out of traditional insurance

• Those willing to accept the risks

Who Should NOT Use HCSMs

HCSMs are risky for:

• Anyone with pre-existing conditions

• Those who need predictable coverage

• People uncomfortable with faith-based requirements

• Those who need mental health or substance abuse coverage

Our Recommendation

HCSMs can be a viable option for healthy people seeking lower costs, but go in with eyes open. They're fundamentally different from insurance, and there's real financial risk if you have a major health event.

Consider HCSMs as ONE option alongside:

• ACA marketplace plans (check for subsidies)

• Short-term health insurance

• Health care cost sharing plans (secular alternatives)

• Direct Primary Care + catastrophic insurance