Does Medishare count as self-employed health insurance?

Asked by: Lucius McClure  |  Last update: January 28, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (28 votes)

Medishare programs are not insurance and are not required to pay any bills and cannot be legally compelled to pay any bills. While medical cost sharing programs satisfied the ACA requirements for obtaining coverage they are not insurance and therefore do not qualify for the Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction.

What is considered self-employed health insurance?

If you run a business that produces income and has no employees, you're considered self-employed. You can buy health coverage through the individual Health Insurance Marketplace ®. You're not considered an employer only because you hire independent contractors to do some work.

Does Medi-Share count as insurance?

It is important to understand that MediShare plans are NOT health insurance. As a Christian Ministry, the concept is based on the Biblical princple of bearing one another's burdens. Please refer to the MediShare Membership Guidelines to see the fine print on how needs are shared and what limitations there are.

Are health share plans tax deductible for self-employed?

Health insurance premiums are tax-deductible. Healthcare Sharfing contributions are not. That said, medical expenses are still deductible, subject to a threshold based on a percentage of your adjusted gross income.

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.

How to Get Health Insurance When Self-Employed

15 related questions found

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 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.

Is Medishare deductible as self-employed health insurance?

Medishare programs are not insurance and are not required to pay any bills and cannot be legally compelled to pay any bills. While medical cost sharing programs satisfied the ACA requirements for obtaining coverage they are not insurance and therefore do not qualify for the Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction.

How much is health insurance for self-employed people?

Health insurance is a necessity—even if you're self-employed. The federal or state health insurance marketplace is the best place to look for a plan. Health insurance plans for self-employed people start at around $350 a month.

Can I claim my health insurance premiums on my taxes?

You can include health insurance premiums in your medical expense calculations. However, certain premiums are not eligible for medical expense deductions. You cannot include the following premiums in your tax deductions: Life insurance policies.

Does Medi-Share qualify for an HSA?

No HSAs – Medi-Share is not eligible for use with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Note: you can still keep your HSA and use it if you have one, you just can't make tax-free contributions to it.

What is the difference between Medi-Share and traditional insurance?

A key difference lies in how the costs are shared. As previously mentioned, health insurance premiums are paid to an insurance company which then pays for your health care costs. With Medi-Share, your monthly share amounts go directly toward sharing in other members' eligible medical needs.

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.

What type of insurance should a self-employed person have?

Types of self-employed insurance you should consider include: Disability and life insurance. Health insurance. Dental and other insurance.

How do I know if I am self-employed?

A person is self-employed if they run their business for themselves and take responsibility for its success or failure. Self-employed workers are not paid through PAYE, and they do not have the rights and responsibilities of an employee.

How to get good health insurance when self-employed?

Generally, if you run your own business and have no employees, or are self-employed, your business won't qualify for group coverage. You can purchase qualified health coverage through the Marketplace for individuals and families. With an Individual Marketplace plan, you can: Find coverage for yourself and your family.

Can you write off health insurance if you are self-employed?

Key Takeaways. If you're self-employed, you may be eligible to deduct premiums that you pay for medical, dental, and qualifying long-term care insurance coverage for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents.

What health insurance does Dave Ramsey recommend?

Health Trust Has Your Back!

Health insurance can be confusing. That's why Health Trust Financial is the only company the Ramsey Team recommends to find you the best health insurance.

Why is Medi-Share not 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.

What is the late fee for Medi-Share?

Monthly share payments are due by the 1st of each month. If received after the 1st, $5 or 5% of the outstanding balance (whichever is greater) will be charged as a late fee.

Can you cancel Medi-Share at any time?

As a Health Share, members continue their membership on a month-to-month basis. This means that Medi-Share members can cancel at any time, which gives the Health Sharing community every incentive to take great care of their members and pay for all eligible medical expenses.

Can you go to any doctor with Medi-Share?

A: Medi-Share uses a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) called PHCS. This means that members can choose from a network of over 4,400 hospitals, 79,000 ancillary care facilities, and 700,000 individual healthcare professionals nationwide.

Can you write off Medi-Share?

Since Medi-Share is a health sharing organization, and not a traditional Affordable Care Act-qualified insurance product, your monthly membership costs are not deductible on your individual income tax return.