Health care sharing is not insurance. Payment of medical bills is not guaranteed, and sharing is governed by membership guidelines rather than an insurance policy.
How it generally works
Members contribute a monthly amount and submit eligible medical needs for possible sharing. Programs may be faith-based and may require agreement with beliefs, lifestyle standards or membership rules.
Questions to ask before joining
- Which needs are eligible, limited or excluded?
- How are pre-existing conditions treated?
- Is there a provider network or self-pay process?
- What amount is the member responsible for before sharing?
- What appeal process exists if a need is not shared?
- Can guidelines change, and how are members notified?
Compare the legal protections
Because it is not insurance, a sharing ministry is not regulated or obligated in the same way as an insurer. Review the full guidelines and compare comprehensive insurance alternatives.
Compare sharing and insurance clearly.
Ask Shane to explain the category, limitations and alternatives without blurring the difference.