Health Sharing Plans in California (2026)
Health sharing ministries are legal in California but do NOT satisfy the state individual mandate. You may owe a penalty if you choose health sharing over ACA coverage. 5 plans are currently vetted and available in CA.
This guide covers the legal status of health sharing in California, which plans are available to CA residents, 2026 pricing, and what California residents should consider before choosing health sharing over ACA marketplace coverage.
Is Health Sharing Legal in California?
Health sharing ministries are legal in California but do NOT satisfy the state individual mandate. You may owe a penalty if you choose health sharing over ACA coverage.
California has a state individual mandate — residents who go uninsured face a penalty of $900+ per adult. Health sharing plans are generally not considered minimum essential coverage under California law.
Health Sharing Plans Available in California
5 plans are currently vetted and accepting new members in CA. Pricing shown is the starting individual monthly cost for 2026.
Zion HealthShare
No faith requirement
Zion HealthShare is a modern health sharing ministry founded in 2017, based in Denver, CO, with 50,000+ members. Monthly contributions start at $185 for individuals and $555 for families, with unlimited sharing cap and no faith requirement. Includes telehealth, prescriptions, maternity, mental health, preventive care, emergency, and surgery with a PPO network of 950,000+ providers.
CHM (Christian Healthcare Ministries)
Active Christian required
CHM (Christian Healthcare Ministries) is the most affordable health sharing ministry, founded in 1981, with 300,000+ members based in Barberton, OH. Monthly contributions start at $115 for individuals and $345 for families, with unlimited sharing cap and strict Christian faith requirement including church attendance. Covers maternity, preventive, emergency, and surgery with any doctor — no network.
Medi-Share
Christian faith required
Medi-Share is the largest health sharing ministry with 400,000+ members, founded in 1992 and based in Atlanta, GA. Monthly contributions range from $227 to $405 for individuals and up to $1,215 for families, with a sharing cap of $250,000. Requires Christian statement of faith, has 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions, and covers telehealth, maternity, preventive, emergency, and surgery.
Samaritan Ministries
Active Christian required
Samaritan Ministries is an established health sharing ministry founded in 1994, based in Lancaster, PA, with 230,000+ members. Monthly costs range from $220-$495 for individuals with unlimited sharing cap. Requires strict Christian faith and church attendance.
Sedera
No faith requirement
Sedera is a secular health sharing option founded in 2010, headquartered in Austin, TX, with 50,000+ members. Monthly contributions range from $199 to $379 for individuals and up to $1,137 for families, with unlimited sharing cap and no faith requirements. Covers telehealth, prescriptions, maternity, mental health, preventive, emergency, and surgery with flexible provider choice.
What California Residents Should Consider
Individual Mandate
California has a state individual mandate — residents who go uninsured face a penalty of $900+ per adult. Health sharing plans are generally not considered minimum essential coverage under California law.
Self-Employed and Freelancers
California's self-employed community is large. Health sharing can save significantly vs ACA plans, but note the state mandate penalty risk.
Not Insurance
Health sharing plans are not insurance and are not regulated by state insurance commissions. Members agree to share each other's eligible medical expenses — there is no guarantee of payment. Read the ministry guidelines carefully before enrolling.
Common Questions — California
Is health sharing legal in California?
Health sharing ministries are legal in California but do NOT satisfy the state individual mandate. You may owe a penalty if you choose health sharing over ACA coverage.
Does California have an individual mandate?
California has a state individual mandate — residents who go uninsured face a penalty of $900+ per adult. Health sharing plans are generally not considered minimum essential coverage under California law.
Can I use health sharing instead of ACA insurance in California?
Yes, California residents can choose health sharing instead of ACA marketplace coverage. Health sharing plans are not insurance and do not fulfill ACA requirements, but unless your state has an individual mandate, there is no penalty for choosing health sharing. Compare your options carefully — ACA plans may be more affordable if you qualify for subsidies.
Find the Right Plan for California
Our 6-question quiz filters plans by state availability, faith requirement, and budget to show you the best fit.