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What is a Health Sharing Ministry?
Everything you need to know about this alternative to traditional health insurance.
A health sharing ministry is a community of people who share each other's medical costs. Members pay a monthly "share" amount that helps pay other members' medical bills. It's a faith-based alternative to traditional health insurance.
How Does Health Sharing Work?
Instead of paying premiums to an insurance company, you contribute monthly to a pool that helps pay for other members' medical needs:
- Join a ministry by completing an application
- Pay a monthly share (typically $100-500+)
- Receive care from any provider
- Submit your bills to the ministry
- Bills are shared among members after you meet your Annual Unshareable Amount
Is Health Sharing Insurance?
No, health sharing is not insurance. Health sharing ministries are exempt from insurance regulations under the ACA. This means:
- No legal guarantee your bills will be paid
- Pre-existing conditions may have waiting periods
- No state insurance commissioner oversight
However, established ministries have strong track records of sharing members' bills.
Who is Health Sharing For?
Health sharing can be good if you:
- Are generally healthy
- Want lower monthly costs
- Are comfortable with faith-based organizations
- Are self-employed or lack employer insurance
Costs
- Individual: $90 - $500+ per month
- Couple: $180 - $900+ per month
- Family: $180 - $1,000+ per month
This is often 30-50% less than ACA marketplace plans.