Are health share plans a good idea?

Asked by: Vernice Hickle Jr.  |  Last update: July 23, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (39 votes)

Health share plans offer a unique alternative to traditional health insurance, with benefits like lower monthly costs and a strong sense of community through cost sharing. However, they also come with limitations in coverage and lack of ACA protections.

What does Dave Ramsey say about Medi Share?

After praising Christian healthcare sharing ministries in general, calling most of them "very reliable," Mr. Ramsey singles out Medi-Share's "great reputation." He then points out correctly that Christian health insurance alternatives are not insurance and don't face the same regulations as insurance companies.

Is it better to have joint or separate health insurance?

Separate plans are fine and almost always cheaper. Combining plans can not only be more expensive monthly but also have higher deductibles than you might expect.

Are supplemental health plans worth it?

For many, supplemental health coverage can be a cost-effective way to help with out-of-pocket costs. Here are a few of the advantages to supplemental health insurance plans: They typically come with affordable monthly premiums. They can offer financial support when you experience unexpected medical situations.

Does a health share count as insurance?

First, understand that health sharing plans are not health insurance.

Health Insurance vs Healthcare Sharing | Crowd Health, Samaritan Ministries & More

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What are the pros and cons of health sharing plans?

Health share plans offer a unique alternative to traditional health insurance, with benefits like lower monthly costs and a strong sense of community through cost sharing. However, they also come with limitations in coverage and lack of ACA protections.

Why is it not always a good idea to have supplemental insurance?

One of the most significant drawbacks of supplemental insurance policies is the coverage limits. For instance, with Mechanical Repair Coverage, you'll typically need to pay out of pocket until your deductible is met on your primary policy before supplemental insurance takes over to cover a costly vehicle repair.

What does Dave Ramsey say about health insurance?

Dave recommends purchasing health insurance through your employer when possible to keep costs low. Compare options to find the best coverage for your needs. Choose a plan with a Health Savings Account to help you to put money away with tax benefits to cover medical costs.

What is better an advantage plan or a supplemental plan?

Summary: Medicare Advantage offers broader coverage including prescription drugs and dental care, while Medicare Supplement focuses on covering most out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Advantage plans are managed by private insurers with network restrictions, whereas Medicare Supplement allows freedom of provider choice.

Is it smart to have two health insurance plans?

There are some situations where having two health insurance plans can help you reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. For example, if you have two health insurance plans that cover different areas of your medical needs, then one policy may cover one area while another policy covers the other area.

Is it cheaper to add my wife to my health insurance?

Cost Savings

Each family is unique. That might look like: If your spouse already has employer-sponsored coverage of their own, it may be more cost-effective to have them join your plan if the premiums, deductible or out-of-pocket maximum are more affordable.

What is the difference between a PPO and a HMO?

HMOs (health maintenance organizations) are typically cheaper than PPOs, but they tend to have smaller networks. You need to see your primary care physician before getting a referral to a specialist. PPOs (preferred provider organizations) are usually more expensive.

Is Medi-Share really worth it?

For most members, there is a substantial cost savings over health insurance. Most families can save $2,000 a year. They help cover adoption expenses (they sent us a check for $3,000 after our adoption!) They have been operating for 25 years.

How do health shares work?

Health care sharing plans are provided by organizations whose members “share” medical costs.As part of a health care sharing plan, you are responsible for paying in a certain share amount each month (like a premium) as well as an “annual unshared amount” for your own expenses (like a deductible) that your medical ...

What will Medi-Share not cover?

Screening Procedures – Colonoscopies, prostate exams, and mammograms are not shareable under Medi-Share. These are important screenings, but you should plan to pay for them with your own resources. Vaccinations and Immunizations – All costs related to immunizations are excluded.

What insurance does Suze Orman recommend?

One of my key life insurance rules is this: Stick with term life insurance. Unless you have someone in your family with special needs, there is typically no need to buy whole life, or universal life, which are referred to as “permanent” policies and cost a lot more.

Which insurance company does Dave Ramsey recommend?

Zander Insurance Is RamseyTrusted

It means Zander is the only company Dave and the entire Ramsey team trusts to help you find term life insurance. They've faithfully served over 600,000 folks in the last 25 years. And they'll help you find the right policy too.

What percentage of my income should go to health insurance?

No one eligible for our coverage will have to pay more than 8.5 percent of their overall household income for health insurance (unless you choose to sign up for a plan with richer benefits, like a Gold or Platinum plan).

At what age are you no longer covered under your parent's health insurance?

If you're covered by a parent's job-based plan, your coverage usually ends when you turn 26. But check with the employer or plan. Some states and plans have different rules. If you're on a parent's Marketplace plan, you can remain covered through December 31 of the year you turn 26 (or the age permitted in your state).

Why is Medicare Advantage not a good plan?

Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans can include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, limited provider networks, and limitations on extra benefits.

Is it better to not have health insurance?

The Bottom Line. Healthcare is expensive—even with insurance. However, those who don't have insurance coverage will be at a much greater disadvantage. The inability to seek treatment for health conditions and the crushing weight of medical bills are two big reasons to obtain coverage.

What is the most trusted healthcare brand?

Here are the top 30 most trusted health system brands of the more than 200 that were evaluated:
  • Mayo Clinic.
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine (Baltimore)
  • Houston Methodist.
  • Emory Healthcare (Atlanta)
  • UCLA Health (Los Angeles)
  • Cedars-Sinai (Los Angeles)
  • UAB Medicine (Birmingham, Ala.)
  • Memorial Hermann Health System (Houston)

What is the best health insurance company to go with?

Best Health Insurance Companies for 2025
  • Best Overall and Best for Self-Employed: Kaiser Permanente.
  • Best Widely Available Plans: UnitedHealthcare.
  • Best for Low Complaints and Best for Chronic Conditions: Aetna.
  • Most Affordable: Molina Healthcare.