⚠️ What You Need to Know About Health Sharing Plans: They’re Not Insurance
Nov 21, 2025On the surface, health-sharing plans can seem like an affordable alternative to traditional insurance.
You may have heard about them from a friend, seen an ad, or even come across them during Open Enrollment.
But before you sign up, it is essential to understand what they are not — and who they're truly designed for.
In this article, I will attempt to break it down.
🧾 What Is a Health Sharing Plan?
A health sharing plan (sometimes called a “health care sharing ministry”) is a group of individuals who voluntarily agree to share healthcare costs. Most are religious- or faith-based. Members pay a monthly fee — called a “share” — and when a medical need arises, the group may help cover it.
They are not insurance.
🗣️ Let me say that again louder: They are NOT health insurance.
Health sharing plans are not regulated the same way as insurance plans, and they do not have to follow ACA (Affordable Care Act) rules. What this means is they are not legally obligated to pay for your medical care.
🚫 What Health Share Plans Do Not Cover (and Why That Matters)
If you are managing a chronic illness or going through cancer treatments, or undergoing any form of diagnostic testing that may result in an ongoing workup, read this part carefully.
Most health sharing plans:
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❌ Do not cover pre-existing conditions
(Some have a “waiting period” of 1–3 years before they'll consider covering anything pre-existing.) -
❌ Do not guarantee reimbursement
You may submit your medical bills and find out they won't be shared due to exclusions. -
❌ Do not cover mental health care
Many exclude therapy, psychiatric medications, or behavioral health support. -
❌ Do not cover preventive care or screenings
Mammograms, colonoscopies, and even annual checkups are often not reimbursed. -
❌ Do not include prescription drug coverage
You may receive discount cards — but not real coverage for ongoing meds. -
❌ Do not comply with ACA protections
This means they are not required to cover maternity, cancer care, hospitalization, or emergencies the way real insurance is.
🧍🏽♀️ Who Might Health Sharing Plans Be Best For?
Health sharing plans are generally designed for:
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✅ Healthy individuals with no ongoing conditions
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✅ People who do not take regular prescriptions
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✅ Those with strong religious affiliations aligned with the plan
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✅ People who are comfortable with financial risk and uncertainty
Ideally, they may be an option for short-term gaps — but not for long-term or high-needs care.
⚖️ What to Consider Before You Sign Up
If you're considering a health sharing plan, here are some questions you need to ask:
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👉 What counts as a “pre-existing condition,” and if so, how long is the waiting period?
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👉 Are cancer screenings or treatments covered at all?
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👉 Can you keep your current medical team?
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👉 Are there caps or exclusions on certain treatments?
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👉 What happens if the group doesn't approve my claim?
Read the fine print. Then read it again.
You do not want to be surprised after a diagnosis.
🛑 Bottom Line: Be Cautious
Health sharing plans are not inherently bad — but despite what you may hear, they are not a replacement for comprehensive health insurance, especially if you:
have a chronic condition
are navigating cancer
need predictable access to care
require preventive screenings
take regular medications
If you’re considering one, be honest about your medical needs, your risk tolerance, and your financial situation.
✅ If You Do Choose a Health Sharing Plan...
Budget for out-of-pocket expenses
Maintain emergency savings
Consider pairing it with a Direct Primary care Membership
Know that you are responsible for the gaps
Keep a detailed paper trail for every medical visit
Final Thoughts 💬
At the end of the day, your health coverage is meant to provide protection. In the United States, medical debt remains one of the top reasons people file bankruptcy. Life can bring unexpected diagnoses, surgeries, chronic illness, or long-term recovery, you don’t want to discover after the fact that the plan you trusted doesn’t have your back.
Health sharing plans can look appealing on the surface — the friendly language, the lower cost, but you need guarantees, not good intentions.
Your health deserves coverage that is reliable, regulated, and required to show up for you. We are aware that as a country we are far from that with our current healthcare insurance, but adding another layer of uncertainty with the health sharing plan is not the solution for those dealing with chronic illness.
If you’re unsure whether your current insurance plan truly meets your needs, or if you just want clarity on what to watch out for, or help reviewing your options during Open Enrollment, I’m here to support you as your independent health advocate.
Your health and wellbeing is worth choosing wisely. Schedule a FREE discovery call to see if I can help you.
Next week, I'll be discussing what you need to know about Direct Primary Care Membership Plans.
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