What Is a Health Sharing Plan?
A health sharing plan (or health care sharing ministry) is an arrangement where members — typically of a shared religious faith — pool money to pay each other's medical bills. Popular programs include Medi-Share, Christian Healthcare Ministries, Samaritan Ministries, and Liberty HealthShare.
How It Works
- You pay a monthly "share" amount ($200-$500/month for individuals)
- When you have a medical bill, you submit it to the ministry
- Other members' share amounts are directed to pay your bill
- There is an "annual unshared amount" (similar to a deductible) you pay first
Critical Differences from Insurance
Health sharing is NOT insurance. Key differences:
- No guarantee of payment: Sharing is voluntary — the ministry is not legally obligated to pay your bills
- No state regulation: Not overseen by state insurance departments
- Pre-existing conditions: Most have waiting periods of 1-3 years or exclude them entirely
- Lifestyle requirements: Many require members to abstain from tobacco, drugs, and excessive alcohol; some require regular church attendance
- No essential health benefits: Mental health, substance abuse, contraception, and maternity (outside marriage) commonly excluded
- No out-of-pocket maximum: Your costs are not capped
When Health Sharing Makes Sense
- You share the faith requirements of the ministry
- You're healthy with no pre-existing conditions
- You understand and accept the risk that bills may not be paid
- You want lower monthly costs than ACA-compliant plans and don't qualify for subsidies
Compare before choosing. Many people who join health sharing plans qualify for ACA marketplace subsidies that would make a real insurance plan equally affordable — with guaranteed coverage, no lifestyle requirements, and full pre-existing condition protections. Check your subsidy eligibility first.
Related Terms
Last updated: March 30, 2026.
