How Health Share Programs Differ from Health Insurance

Health cost sharing programs are not insurance plans. There are significant differences between the two. Health sharing entities are non-profit, charitable organizations that are designed to help members pay for medical expenses by utilizing funds from other members.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

 

Many of the differences in health insurance and health share programs involve the members’ rights to choose what type of medical expenses will be covered and who will be eligible for membership. Health insurance plans must comply with the Affordable Care Act. This means that insurance plans must accept all sorts of people with all sorts of medical issues. This can drive up the total cost of insurance plans and put comprehensive plans out of financial reach for many Americans.

Health share programs, on the other hand, are not bound by ACA requirements and therefore can be more selective in their approval of members, which can ultimately result in cost savings for the entire membership.

Here are some of the differences between insurance and faith-based health sharing programs:

HEALTH SHARE PROGRAM

Eligibility for membership is dependent only upon the standards outlined by the health sharing organization. The organization is free to limit membership to those in good health, thus saving money for the entire membership.

Members are expected to share a common ethic standard or philosophy and adhere to lifestyles that reflect those ethics.

No guarantees are made regarding payment of specific medical bills. Eligibility for sharing is based on the program and its guidelines.

Non-Profit

The healthcare sharing organization facilitates sharing of member share requests to pay for eligible medical expenses.

An Explanation of Share (EOS) is provided when Share Requests are processed.

 

HEALTH INSURANCE

Members with pre-existing conditions must be accepted in order to comply with ACA policies

Members with pre-existing conditions must be accepted in order to comply with ACA policies

Insurance providers guarantee what is and isn’t covered, the amount paid, and the portion customers pay based on their policy

Mostly for-profit

Claims are processed according to signed contract provisions

Explanation of Benefits (EOB) must be provided when claims are processed.

Benefits of Health Share Programs

There are several benefits that come with being a part of a healthcare sharing ministry:

Low monthly costs

Members are saving thousands when they switch to Health Care

Monthly contributions are voluntary and are based on the specific program chosen by the member to fit his or her budget.

MUCH MORE AFFORDABLE THAN TRADITIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE

We have designed four pricing options for individuals and families

Many members see savings as much as 60% percent when compared to health insurance.

NEGOTIATED RATES FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACY SERVICES

You deserve simple and affordable health care.

Quality healthcare sharing programs contract with established provider networks and negotiate fair, reasonable and affordable rates for typical things like a doctor’s office visit or a 30-day supply of generic formulary medication.

EXCLUSIVITY

Share cost with like-minded families

Rather than being required to pool resources in an insurance pool that cannot select members based on health or lifestyle choice, health sharing programs give members the freedom and ability to choose to share costs with other like-minded families.

FREEDOM TO CHOOSE

The freedom you need!

With health share programs, members are FREE to choose their preferred doctor or specialist. No “networks” to have to manage

OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF A COMMUNITY

We are open to anyone who is interested in sharing and saving on their health care.

As a member of a healthcare sharing program, you can be assured that your monthly contribution will be used in the service of like-minded people.

What Types of People Choose Health Share Programs?

These may include people who meet the following criteria:

Are in good overall health

To keep costs down for the entire membership, most health sharing programs limit eligibility to people without complicated pre-existing medical conditions. For those with chronic health issues and pre-existing conditions, there may be better options elsewhere.

Engage in a healthy lifestyle

Avoiding tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. Again, being in good health is a prerequisite for joining a health care sharing program, and those who engage in dangerous activities may not be eligible for enrollment.

looking for more options

May be looking for a more affordable option than traditional health insurance can provide. Health insurance plans are expensive, so being a part of a health care sharing program may help save quite a bit of money every month – some will save 60% or more when compared to traditional insurance options.

Are of pre-retirement age

Are (between 55 and 64 years of age) and transitioning out of full-time work before becoming eligible for Medicare. People who are looking to retire will not be able to take advantage of their employer’s health care benefits, but a health care sharing program may step in to fill the gap between employer coverage and Medicare.

Operate small businesses

Operate small businesses or non-profit organizations with staff who require health care coverage. Businesses with a small number of employees may require OR desire to offer a health care program to their employees and their families.

Individuals who are self-employed

Individuals who are self-employed, freelancers, consultants or contractors. Those who are not employees may not have access to employee-backed insurance programs nor be able to afford typical health insurance programs, and medical care sharing programs may be a viable alternative.

Hard to be eligible for subsidies

Earn too much money to be eligible for subsidies with conventional ACA plans. Those who earn well over the federal poverty level (FPL) and don’t qualify for subsidies may find our programs more affordable.

Employer Health Insurance

Families of a individual receiving employer benefits. Many people seek and receive the coverage of an employer health insurance plan; however, the cost to insure a spouse and/or dependents can be completely unaffordable. Healthcare sharing programs can be an ideal solution for those dynamics.

People who want complete freedom

Healthcare sharing programs can be used nationwide. Finally Americans can choose their own path for work and location and take the healthcare with them.

Whats Next?

HOW TO JOIN.

Joining Impact is EASY! Simply follow the steps below to get started.

READ THE GUIDELINES

Take a few minutes to review the Impact Membership Guidelines and program details.

Take a few minutes to review the Impact Membership Guidelines and program details. It's important that you understand the healthcare sharing community that you are joining.

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TALK TO SOMEONE

Check our pricing for the PRA (Primary Responsibility Amount) that best fits your budget.

Check our pricing for the PRA (Primary Responsibility Amount) that best fits your budget. We have several options and prices to choose from.

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It takes about 10 minutes to complete our online application.

It takes about 10 minutes to complete our online application. Make sure you have a form of identification and are ready to fill out a health questionnaire for each person applying.

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