If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by health insurance premiums, deductibles, or surprise medical bills, you’re not alone. Many people are looking for alternatives. One increasingly popular option is a health share.
But what exactly is a health share, and how do health shares work? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
🌱 Health Shares 101: The Basics
A health share (also called a “healthcare sharing ministry” or “medical cost-sharing program”) is a community-based approach to managing medical expenses. Instead of paying premiums to an insurance company, members contribute a monthly amount into a shared fund that supports one another’s medical costs.
It’s not insurance, and it doesn’t claim to be. But for many people, it functions like a more affordable, more flexible alternative.
🤝 How Do Health Shares Work?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Monthly Contributions
Each member pays a monthly “share amount.” This goes into a pool to support other members’ eligible medical needs. - Sharing Medical Bills
When a member has a qualified medical expense (like a surgery or emergency visit), they submit a request. The cost is paid for (or reimbursed) using funds from the community. - Member Responsibility Amount (MRA)
Similar to a deductible, this is the amount that each member is responsible for before the sharing kicks in. - Guidelines and Limits
Each membership has its own rules about what’s considered “shareable.” Preventive care, dental, and mental health services may be included or not depending on the membership.
🧾 What Health Shares Usually Include
Every membership is different, but many include:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Labs and imaging
- Specialist care
- Maternity (in some cases)
- Prescription discounts or reimbursements
- Alternative therapies (in some memberships)
Some health shares, like Knew Health (*use promo code “JENNY30” for 30% off 1st 6 months), also include international access which is incredibly rare with traditional insurance.
❌ What They Don’t Include (Usually)
Because health shares aren’t insurance, they’re not legally required to pay for everything. Common exclusions include:
- Pre-existing conditions (often with a waiting period)
- Routine preventive care (annual checkups, vaccines)
- Birth control or elective procedures
- Injuries related to risky behavior
