Does a health share count as insurance?

Asked by: Hailey Wilkinson III  |  Last update: April 19, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (56 votes)

Just to be clear: Health share plans aren't technically a form of insurance. Basically, that just means employers can't use a health share plan to comply with the government requirements to provide health insurance for employees.

Does Medi-Share count as insurance?

MediShare is not an insurance company, which means that members have less state or federal protection.

Is sharing the same as insurance?

Health Care Sharing vs Health Insurance

Health care sharing is not insurance, but the plans count as insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). That means more affordable healthcare benefits while avoiding the tax penalty for going uninsured. Other pros of health care sharing over insurance include:Lower cost.

Is one share health insurance?

OneShare Health is a medical cost-sharing ministry providing a unique, affordable, ACA-exempt path to healthcare. OneShare Health is not insurance.

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.

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

27 related questions found

Is health share insurance?

HCSMs, discount plans, and risk-sharing plans are not insurance products. Before signing, be sure to understand how the plan works and what benefits you or your family can count on. HCSMs are organizations in which the members pay in and share the costs of health care.

What are the disadvantages of Medi-Share?

One of the major drawbacks of a health share plan is limited coverage. Unlike traditional health insurance, these plans may not cover chronic conditions, pre-existing conditions, or expensive treatments.

What does your share mean on insurance?

The share of costs covered by your insurance that you pay out of your own pocket. This term generally includes deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, or similar charges, but it doesn't include premiums, balance billing amounts for non-network providers, or the cost of non-covered services.

Is Medi-Share part of Medicare?

Medi-Share 65+ is a secondary option to those with Medicare Parts A & B and provides one low price for up to 10 years. With Medi-Share 65+ you can switch at any time. The 20% of medical expenses not covered by Medicare are eligible to be shared in by Medi-Share 65+.

Who is considered a 2 shareholder for health insurance?

Treating medical insurance premiums as wages

(A 2-percent shareholder is someone who owns more than 2 percent of the outstanding stock of the corporation or stock possessing more than 2 percent of the total combined voting power of all stock of the corporation.)

Are health share plans tax deductible?

But since they aren't traditional health insurance products, health sharing plan membership costs don't qualify for a personal income tax deduction.

What is shares in insurance?

Stock insurers are incorporated insurers whose capital is divided into shares. Stock insurance companies are owned by the stockholders who are responsible for electing the firm's board of directors. Dividends are paid to stockholders and are considered taxable income.

Is Medi-Share real insurance?

Simply put, no Medi-Share isn't insurance, but most people wouldn't really be able to tell a difference. While it essentially serves the same purpose as health insurance, they are very clear that it is NOT insurance. They call it, “Christian Healthcare Sharing.”

Does Medi-Share cover emergency room visits?

In terms of practicalities, Medi-Share shares in doctor's office and emergency room visits as long as they are deemed eligible according to Medi-Share's member-voted guidelines. After an event, your provider submits your bills to Medi-Share.

Can I use medical if I have other insurance?

Even if you have other health coverage such as health insurance from your work, you may still qualify for Medi-Cal. If you qualify, Medi-Cal will cover allowable costs not paid by your primary insurance. Under federal law, Medi-Cal beneficiaries' private health insurance must be billed first before billing Medi-Cal.

Are health share plans a good idea?

There are several great aspects of sharing plans. Not only are you connected to a group of individuals who are praying for and with you, but there are some economic benefits to sharing plans. They offer discounts, and the premiums are generally very low.

Is Medi-Share good for seniors?

Medi-Share 65+ is designed to help seniors manage their Medicare-related out-of-pocket costs. Once you've met the $500 annual household contribution, Medi-Share 65+ covers 100% of your Medicare-approved deductibles and copays for Parts A and B. This provides significant relief from unexpected medical expenses.

What is the limit for Medi-Share?

Up to $100,000 per Member per year (based on effective date) after 36 consecutive months of faithful sharing. Up to $500,000 per Member per year (based on effective date) after 60 consecutive months of faithful sharing.

How does health share work?

Also known as medishare plans or health sharing ministries, health share plans are nonprofits that serve as alternatives or additions to traditional insurance. Members' monthly contributions create a pool the group can draw from to help cover out-of-pocket medical expenses.

How to get rid of medi-cal share of cost?

Extra health insurance premium costs can be used to lower your countable income and may help you get rid of your share of cost. Some examples of extra health insurance premium costs are dental and vision plans, or Medicare Part D prescription plans.

Does Medi-Share count as health insurance?

This program is not traditional health insurance; instead, it functions as a cooperative, where members contribute monthly “shares” that are used to help pay the eligible medical bills of other members. These funds can be used by any member to payfor paying their medical bills.

Does Medi-Share cover pre-existing conditions?

Pre-Existing Conditions with Medi-Share

Here's how Medi-Share defines pre-existing conditions, which is a good guideline for other alternative plans: Medi-Share won't deny you for a pre-existing condition, but there may be a “phase-in” period before you'll get full coverage.

How many people use Medi-Share?

Welcome To The Medi-Share Family

With almost half a million members across America, the Medi-Share community is vibrant and strong. Join the most trusted health care sharing ministry where members have been faithfully sharing since 1993.