What Is a Health Sharing Plan and How Does It Work?

If you’ve been looking for a different way to manage health care expenses, you may have come across the phrase “health sharing plan.” But what exactly does that mean, and how does health sharing work?

At OneShare Health, the correct term is Health Care Sharing Program. OneShare Health is a Health Care Sharing Ministry, not an insurance company. Instead of operating like traditional health insurance, a Health Care Sharing Ministry brings together a community of Members who share eligible medical expenses according to established Membership Guidelines.

For individuals and families looking for a faith-based approach to health care, it can offer a meaningful way to help manage medical costs while becoming part of a community committed to supporting one another.

What Is Health Care Sharing?

Health Care Sharing is a community-based approach to managing eligible medical expenses.

Members make a monthly Contribution based on their selected Program. Those Contributions help facilitate the sharing of eligible medical expenses among the Membership according to the Membership Guidelines.

That community-centered approach is an important distinction. OneShare Health Members aren't purchasing health insurance. They're joining a Health Care Sharing Ministry whose Members agree to share in one another's eligible medical needs.

It's an approach rooted in the biblical principle found in Galatians 6:2:

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

For OneShare Health, that idea of being Better Together is at the heart of the Member experience.

How Does a Health Care Sharing Program Work?

Although Health Care Sharing works differently from traditional health insurance, understanding the basics doesn't have to be complicated.

When you become a OneShare Health Member, you select the Program and options that best fit your needs. You then make a monthly Contribution to participate in the sharing community.

When you experience an eligible medical need, the Membership Guidelines determine which medical expenses are Eligible for Sharing. Depending on the service and your Program, you may also have a Visit Fee or other Member responsibility.

OneShare Health then facilitates the sharing of eligible medical expenses among Members.

The Membership Guidelines are especially important because they explain how sharing works, including eligibility requirements, limitations, waiting periods, and other Program details. Members should become familiar with these Guidelines so they understand how their Program works before a medical need arises.

What Is an Individual Sharing Amount?

Another important part of understanding your Program is your Individual Sharing Amount (ISA).

The ISA is the amount a Member is responsible for before eligible medical expenses are considered for sharing, subject to the Membership Guidelines.

OneShare Health offers different ISA options, allowing Members to select an option that aligns with their health care needs and monthly budget. Generally, the ISA you choose can affect your monthly Contribution, so it's worth considering both your expected health care needs and what you're comfortable contributing each month.

What Kinds of Programs Does OneShare Health Offer?

OneShare Health currently offers two primary Health Care Sharing Programs: the Catastrophic Program and the Classic Program.

The Catastrophic Program

Member Contributions starting as low as $65 per month, is designed to provide an affordable Health Care Sharing option focused on unexpected medical needs while still providing useful Member resources.

The Classic Program

Member Contributions starting as low as $85 per month, provides a broader range of sharing opportunities for Members who anticipate using more routine health care services.

Both Programs also give Members access to resources designed to make navigating health care easier, including the First Health Network, Virtual Urgent Care (Telemedicine), prescription savings resources, and additional Member services.

Choosing between the two comes down to your individual circumstances, budget, and health care needs.

How Is Health Care Sharing Different From Health Insurance?

This is one of the most important things for prospective Members to understand.

Health Care Sharing is not health insurance. OneShare Health is a religious Health Care Sharing Ministry that facilitates the sharing of eligible medical expenses among its Members.

Health Care Sharing Programs operate according to Membership Guidelines rather than an insurance policy. Medical expenses must meet the Guidelines to be considered Eligible for Sharing, and Membership does not create the same contractual obligations associated with health insurance.

That distinction is why it's important to review the Membership Guidelines carefully when considering whether Health Care Sharing is right for you.

What Are Some Benefits of Joining a Health Care Sharing Ministry?

For many Members, the appeal extends beyond monthly costs.

Health Care Sharing gives Members the opportunity to participate in a community built around shared values and mutual support. With OneShare Health, Members can also choose from Programs designed around different health care needs and budgets while accessing tools and resources that can help them navigate their health care.

Most importantly, Members become part of a community that believes helping carry one another's burdens can make a meaningful difference.

And that community has made a significant impact: OneShare Health has shared more than $290 million in medical costs.

Is Health Care Sharing Right for You?

There isn't one health care approach that's right for everyone.

Before joining a Health Care Sharing Ministry, consider your budget, anticipated health care needs, preferred providers, and how comfortable you are with the Health Care Sharing model. You should also review the Membership Guidelines so you understand what is and isn't Eligible for Sharing.

For those who value affordability, flexibility, community, and a faith-based approach to managing health care expenses, OneShare Health may be worth considering.

Choosing how to handle your health care is an important decision. Having clear information can help you make that decision with confidence.

Ready to see which OneShare Health Program may fit your needs?

Get a quote today and speak with a OneShare Health specialist who can help you find the right Program for you.