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Is a Health Share Right for Your Family?

 

What You Need to Know — And a Better Alternative You May Not Have Heard Of

Healthcare costs in America have reached a breaking point for many families. In 2025, the average cost of employer-sponsored family coverage climbed to roughly $26,000 per year, with some marketplace plans seeing premium spikes of 20–26%. For self-employed individuals, small business owners, and families who don't qualify for ACA subsidies, the math simply doesn't add up anymore.

It's no wonder that more and more families are turning to health sharing ministries as an alternative. But are they the right fit for everyone? And are there better options available that give you the same appeal — without the trade-offs?

Let's break it all down.

What Is a Health Share?

A health sharing ministry (also called a healthcare sharing ministry or HCSM) is a faith-based organization where members contribute monthly "shares" — think of them like premiums — into a pool that is used to cover each other's medical expenses. They operate on the principle of mutual aid: members bearing one another's burdens, rooted in Galatians 6:2.

These are not insurance companies. They are not regulated by state insurance commissioners, and they are not required to comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Well-known examples include Medi-Share, Samaritan Ministries, and Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM).

Health shares have grown enormously in popularity since the ACA took effect — and it's easy to see why.

The Pros of Health Sharing Ministries

1. Significantly Lower Monthly Costs

This is the big one. Monthly contributions to health sharing ministries are often 30–50% lower than traditional insurance premiums. For a family of four paying $1,100–$1,200/month on a marketplace plan, a health share may cost $400–$650/month for comparable coverage — a savings of $6,000–$9,000 a year.

2. Freedom to Choose Any Doctor or Hospital

Unlike many HMO or narrow-network plans, most health shares let you see any doctor, specialist, or hospital you choose — anywhere in the country. No referrals, no in-network restrictions.

3. Values-Aligned Coverage

For faith-driven families, health shares offer peace of mind that your dollars will never fund medical procedures that conflict with your beliefs. Your contributions go directly toward your fellow members' medical needs.

4. Community and Support

Many health shares connect members personally. You may receive encouraging notes, prayers, and direct support from other members when you're going through a medical challenge — something no traditional insurance company offers.

5. No Annual or Lifetime Benefit Caps (in Some Plans)

Some health shares carry no annual or lifetime limits on how much they will share toward your medical needs — a significant advantage over older-style insurance products.

6. Medical Conditions Can't Get You Kicked Out

Once you're a member in good standing, developing a medical condition does not end your membership. You won't be dropped because your health changes.

The Cons of Health Sharing Ministries

It's important to go in with eyes wide open. Health shares have real limitations that every family should understand before enrolling.

1. They Are NOT Insurance

This is the most critical point. Health sharing ministries are not legally insurance. They are not regulated by your state's insurance department. If the ministry denies a claim or runs out of funds, you have little legal recourse. You are relying on the ministry's goodwill and financial stability — not a legally binding contract.

2. Pre-Existing Conditions May Not Be Covered

Because they are exempt from ACA rules, health shares can and often do place restrictions or waiting periods on pre-existing conditions. If you have diabetes, heart disease, cancer history, or other ongoing conditions, you may find your most important medical needs aren't covered — or are covered only after one to two years of membership.

3. The IUA: Your "Deductible" Is Often High

Most health shares have what they call an Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA) — essentially your deductible. This is the amount you must pay out of pocket before the ministry begins sharing costs. IUAs can range from $1,000 to $5,000+ per incident, and choosing a lower IUA typically means higher monthly shares.

4. Lifestyle and Faith Requirements

Most health sharing ministries require members to sign a Statement of Faith, attend church regularly, and abstain from tobacco, illegal drugs, and extramarital activity. If your lifestyle doesn't meet these standards, you may be denied membership or have claims denied.

5. Coverage Gaps You Might Not Expect

Many health shares do not cover preventive care, routine checkups, prescription drugs, mental health services, or dental and vision care. Some require you to be a member for 12 months before you can share larger medical needs. It's essential to read the guidelines carefully before assuming what is and isn't covered.

6. Not State-Regulated

Because health shares aren't insurance, your state's insurance commissioner can't help you if something goes wrong. You have limited consumer protections and little ability to dispute denied needs through any regulatory channel.

7. Potential Issues with Provider Billing

Providers may not be familiar with health share programs, as members are typically treated as cash-pay patients. This can create billing confusion and extra legwork on your end.

So What's the Alternative?

If the community-driven, lower-cost appeal of a health share speaks to you — but you want the security of real insurance — there's a product worth knowing about: Presidio Health.

Introducing Presidio Health: The Best of Both Worlds

Presidio Healthcare is making history as the nation's first Christian, pro-life health insurer — and their flagship product, the FortressPlan, is unlike anything else on the market.

Here's why it stands out for families who love the concept of health sharing but want more security and simplicity:

✅ It's Real, State-Regulated Insurance

This is the game-changer. Unlike health shares, Presidio is a fully regulated insurance company, overseen by state insurance authorities. That means legal protections, enforceable contracts, and real accountability — not just a promise. If a claim is covered, it's covered.

✅ $0 Deductible — Value From Day One

With Presidio's FortressPlan, there is no deductible and no IUA. You get value from your very first medical visit. You simply pay 50% coinsurance (your share of each bill) up to your annual maximum out-of-pocket — and half of your unused maximum rolls over at renewal. Compare that to health shares where you might pay $3,000–$5,000 per incident before any help kicks in.

✅ Choose Any Doctor or Hospital, Nationwide

Just like a health share, Presidio gives you complete freedom to choose any provider, specialist, or hospital anywhere in the country. No narrow networks, no referral requirements, no surprise out-of-network bills.

✅ Wellness Is Optional — Not Mandatory

Many health shares penalize members for lifestyle choices or require wellness compliance to keep their rates down. With Presidio, the wellness add-on is completely optional — you choose whether to include it based on your needs and budget.

✅ No Policy Maximums

Unlike many health sharing ministries that cap total benefits, Presidio's FortressPlan carries no policy limits — giving your family genuine protection against catastrophic medical events.

✅ Values-Aligned Coverage You Can Trust

Just like the health sharing concept, Presidio was built on Christian, pro-life principles. Your premiums will never fund healthcare practices that run counter to life. This isn't just a guideline — it's baked into the very structure of the company.

✅ Telehealth Included

FortressPlan members enjoy 24/7 nationwide access to virtual primary and urgent care through a partnership with MyCatholicDoctor — the only insurance telemedicine partnership committed to upholding life-affirming care.

✅ No Religious Requirement to Enroll

While Presidio is built on Christian principles, you don't have to sign a statement of faith or meet lifestyle requirements to obtain coverage. It is open to families who simply appreciate affordable, values-aligned healthcare.

Side-by-Side: Health Share vs. Presidio Health

FeatureHealth Share MinistryPresidio FortressPlan
Legally insurance?❌ No✅ Yes
State regulated?❌ No✅ Yes
Deductible / IUA⚠️ Often $1,000–$5,000✅ $0 Deductible
Any doctor/hospital✅ Yes✅ Yes
Pre-existing conditions⚠️ Often excluded⚠️ Not covered
Policy maximums⚠️ Sometimes capped✅ No limits
Faith/lifestyle requirements⚠️ Usually required✅ Not required
Wellness coverage⚠️ Varies✅ Optional add-on
Telehealth⚠️ Varies✅ Included
Values-aligned (pro-life)✅ Yes✅ Yes
Community feel✅ Strong✅ Values-based

Who Should Consider Presidio Health?

Presidio Health may be a great fit for you if:

  • You're self-employed or a small business owner tired of skyrocketing marketplace premiums
  • You've been attracted to health shares but worry about the lack of regulation and legal protection
  • You want lower costs without a deductible eating into your budget before coverage kicks in
  • You are in generally good health and not seeking coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • You appreciate faith-aligned coverage but don't want to sign a statement of faith or meet lifestyle rules
  • You want the freedom to see any doctor or hospital without network restrictions
  • You value straightforward, honest coverage without worrying about gaps in your guidelines

The Bottom Line

Health sharing ministries have helped many families navigate the healthcare cost crisis, and for healthy individuals with no pre-existing conditions, they can be an effective tool for managing costs. But they come with significant trade-offs — including the lack of legal protection, coverage gaps, and the uncertainty of relying on a non-insurance organization for your family's healthcare.

Presidio Health changes the equation. It gives you the lower-cost, community-minded, values-driven appeal that draws people to health shares — but backs it up with real insurance, state regulation, no deductible, and no lifetime caps. Like health shares, Presidio is best suited for individuals and families in generally good health, but unlike health shares, it gives you the peace of mind of a legally enforceable insurance policy.

If you're exploring alternatives to traditional health insurance, I'd love to help you find the right fit. Reach out today for a free quote and personalized guidance for your family.

📞 Get a Quote Today

Janice Grice Licensed Insurance Professional

📱 940-213-1916 🌐 www.janicobenefits.com

I'm here to answer your questions, walk you through your options, and help you find the coverage that works best for your family and your budget.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Coverage options, availability, and pricing vary. Please consult a licensed insurance professional for personalized guidance.

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