What is a Healthshare or Healthcare Sharing Plan?
Learn how Healthshare plans work, their benefits, and how they compare to traditional health insurance
A Healthshare, also known as a healthcare sharing plan, is a community-based alternative to traditional health insurance. Members contribute a set amount each month, and those funds are used to help cover each other's medical expenses.
While Healthshare programs are not insurance, they serve a similar purpose by providing a way to manage healthcare costs—often at a lower cost than traditional insurance plans. Many Healthshares operate on faith-based or community principles, requiring members to follow certain lifestyle or belief guidelines.
How Does a Healthshare Plan Work?
1️⃣ Members pay a monthly contribution (similar to a premium but often lower).
2️⃣ When a medical need arises, members submit an expense for cost-sharing.
3️⃣ Other members’ contributions help cover the medical bill, following the program’s guidelines.
4️⃣ Healthshare organizations facilitate the process, but they do not guarantee payment like traditional insurance.
Key Benefits of Healthshare Plans
✅ Lower Monthly Costs – Typically 50% or less than traditional health insurance.
✅ Freedom to Choose Providers – Most Healthshare programs allow any doctor or hospital.
✅ No Open Enrollment Periods – Join anytime, unlike ACA insurance.
✅ Community-Based Support – Many members appreciate the ethical or faith-based structure.
Healthshare vs. Traditional Health Insurance
| Feature | Healthshare Plans | Traditional Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | ✅ Typically lower | ❌ Higher premiums |
| Guaranteed Coverage? | ❌ No, some members may be denied | ✅ Yes, ACA-compliant plans cannot deny coverage |
| Pre-Existing Condition Coverage? | ❌ Limited or waiting periods | ✅ Covered under ACA-compliant plans |
| Regulated by Insurance Laws? | ❌ No, operates independently | ✅ Yes, regulated by state & federal laws |
| Provider Choice | ✅ Usually any provider | ❌ Often limited to a network |
Is a Healthshare Plan Right for You?
A Healthshare plan may be a good fit if:
✅ You are generally healthy and don’t require frequent medical care.
✅ You want lower monthly costs compared to traditional insurance.
✅ You are comfortable with a non-insurance model where cost-sharing is voluntary.
✅ You align with the program’s values (some require religious or ethical commitments).
Healthshare plans provide a lower-cost alternative to traditional insurance. To explore available options, check out our Healthshare Plans.