What is a medical cost share plan?

Asked by: Mrs. Sallie Zulauf  |  Last update: September 14, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (46 votes)

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.

What is a medical cost sharing plan?

HCSMs are organizations in which the members pay in and share the costs of health care. A member will typically contribute a monthly payment to cover the qualifying medical expenses of other members.

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 do Medi share plans work?

How Medi-Share Works. Each month, your monthly share is matched with another's eligible medical bills. Through a secure online portal, Medi-Share publishes the bills eligible for sharing and coordinates the direct sharing of medical costs between members.

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.

The Pitfalls of Cost Sharing for Healthcare

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What are the disadvantages of cost sharing in healthcare?

Low cost sharing protects patients from high and unexpected medical expenditures – a key function of insurance – but it also raises a concern that patients may overuse low-value care when they pay less than its full cost, an inefficiency economists term “moral hazard.” Conversely, higher cost sharing may mitigate moral ...

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.

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 is the average monthly cost of Medi-Share?

MediShare plans have options availble that will fit every family and budget. Monthly contribution for families average $350.

How does a share plan work?

Share Incentive Plans (SIPs) allow employees to own shares in the company. There are tax savings and national insurance savings for employees and employers. As an employee, you don't pay any Income Tax or National Insurance on shares if you keep them for five years.

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.

What are the disadvantages of using shares?

There are also some potential drawbacks to issuing shares:
  • diluted ownership.
  • reduced control of your business.
  • loss of privacy.
  • administration costs.
  • you may have to offer a monthly or quarterly dividend to investors.
  • you may require the services of a solicitor or accountant.

Does Medi-Share cover prescriptions?

Are prescriptions eligible for sharing? The cost of CMS or FDA approved testing, treatments, and up to six months of FDA approved prescription drugs per eligible condition will be considered for sharing.

What is the main purpose of cost sharing?

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.

Are silver health plans worth it?

Those who need to balance their annual healthcare costs: Silver plans strike a balance between a plan's monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs for care. They may make sense if you or your family have moderate healthcare needs throughout the year.

How is medical share of cost determined?

If your countable income is higher than 138% of the federal poverty level for Medi-Cal, currently $1,732 for an individual or $2,352 for a couple as of April 1, 2024, you may owe a shared monthly cost. This is calculated by deducting the maintenance need for the household from countable income.

How do you get rid of medical share of cost?

Option 1: Provide proof of extra health insurance premium costs. 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.

Who qualifies for Medi-Share?

Medi-Share 65+ is a program for individuals 65 or older with Medicare Parts A and B. Members who are not eligible and/or do not qualify for Medicare Parts A and B may remain on Medi-Share Complete.

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 are the problems with Medi-Share?

The challenges faced by Medi-Share users can be numerous. Some common complaints include less predictability compared to traditional insurance, limited coverage of certain medical procedures, and a lack of clarity on what constitutes 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.

Does Medi-Share have a max out of pocket?

No max-out-of-pocket limit – While Medi-Share covers most things you would expect a regular health plan to, it doesn't cover mental health, substance abuse counseling, and a few other areas. Remember, there is no coinsurance, so you're paying nothing for covered treatment after your deductible/AHP.

How do medical sharing plans 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 kind of health insurance does Dave Ramsey recommend?

The Ramsey team and Dave Ramsey himself recommend high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) whenever possible. That way, you can enjoy lower monthly premiums, and you'll qualify to open a Health Savings Account (HSA). You can use those savings to cover health expenses and even invest.

Does Medi-Share cover weight loss surgery?

Does Medi-Share Cover Weight Loss Surgery? Yes, Medi-Share generally considers medically-necessary bariatric and/or liposuction and similar surgeries to be sharable medical expenses, though subject to some pre-existing condition restrictions. Elective weight loss surgery will not qualify as shareable with Medi-Share.