Health Insurance Learning Center
What Are Health Share Plans and Are They Worth It?
Health sharing ministries cost $100 to $500/month, often 30 to 50% less than unsubsidized ACA premiums. But they're not insurance, have no guaranteed coverage, and exclude pre-existing conditions for 1 to 3 years.
Learn About Health Share Options
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How Do Health Share Plans Work?
Health sharing ministries are organizations where members share each other's medical costs. They are not insurance, they're exempt from ACA regulation under Section 5000A. Members pay a monthly "share" amount ($100 to $500 for individuals), and when someone has a medical need, other members' contributions help cover the cost.
Most programs are faith-based and require members to agree to lifestyle guidelines (no tobacco, limited alcohol, regular church attendance). According to the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries, over 1.5 million Americans participate in health sharing programs.
Critical distinction: There's no legal guarantee your bills will be paid. Health shares are not regulated by state insurance departments, don't qualify for ACA subsidies, and don't count as minimum essential coverage.
What Should I Know Before Joining a Health Share?
Lower Monthly Costs
Monthly shares range from $100 to $500 for individuals, often 30 to 50% less than unsubsidized ACA premiums. But if you qualify for ACA subsidies, marketplace plans may cost the same or less.
Not Regulated Insurance
Not regulated by state insurance departments. No guarantee of payment. Several health shares have faced lawsuits for unpaid claims totaling millions of dollars.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Most health shares have 1 to 3 year waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. Some conditions (diabetes, heart disease) may never be eligible. ACA plans cover all conditions immediately.
Lifestyle Requirements
Many programs require abstinence from tobacco, limited alcohol, and regular church attendance. Some require a pastor's reference. Violation can result in loss of sharing eligibility.
No Network Restrictions
Most health shares don't have provider networks, you can see any doctor. However, you may need to negotiate costs yourself and pay upfront before requesting sharing.
Not ACA-Compliant
Health shares don't count as minimum essential coverage, don't qualify for ACA subsidies, and don't have to cover essential health benefits like maternity, mental health, or prescriptions.