Tired of Rising Premiums and Shrinking Options?
If you’re frustrated with high insurance premiums, confusing deductibles, and limited choices, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans are rethinking health insurance—and searching for smarter, more affordable alternatives.
That’s where healthcare sharing comes in. These programs offer a community-driven, cost-conscious way to manage medical expenses without being locked into the rising costs of traditional insurance.
Why More Americans Are Rethinking Insurance
The U.S. health insurance industry is increasingly concentrated. According to Visual Capitalist (December 2024), in 13 states a single insurer controls more than 50% of the market.
That means fewer options for consumers—and often higher prices.
- HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations): Lower premiums but restrictive provider networks.
- PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations): More freedom to choose providers, but at higher costs.
- Other options (EPOs, POS): Hybrid models, each with its own limits and trade-offs.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded coverage but also contributed to higher premiums and fewer carriers in some states. In certain areas, the ACA marketplace has shrunk to just one or two insurers.
For families not qualifying for subsidies, unsubsidized ACA plans can feel unaffordable. This growing gap has fueled the rise of healthcare sharing.
What Is Healthcare Sharing?
Healthcare sharing programs are nonprofit communities where members contribute funds to help pay each other’s medical bills. Instead of sending premiums to an insurance company, members contribute a monthly share that supports fellow participants.
Key Features of Healthcare Sharing
- Household Primary Responsibility Amount (PRA): Like an annual deductible, this is what your household pays before expenses are shared.
- Monthly Shares: Lower than unsubsidized ACA premiums in most cases.
- No Open Enrollment: Join any time of year.
- Values-Based Standards: Some programs have faith or lifestyle commitments.
- Not Insurance: Payments are not guaranteed—but sharing communities have long track records of reliability.
Impact Health Sharing at a Glance
- 18,000+ members since launching in 2020.
- $275M+ in medical expenses shared.
- Provider payments within 15 days.
- No across-the-board rate increases in 5+ years.
- Community-first model built on transparency and trust.
Healthcare Sharing vs. Traditional Insurance
How does healthcare sharing stack up against PPO and HMO insurance plans?
Monthly Costs
- Insurance: Premiums based on age, income, and location. Often rising year-over-year.
- Healthcare Sharing: Lower monthly shares—members often save up to 50%.
Deductibles vs. PRA
- Insurance: Deductibles + coinsurance until you hit your out-of-pocket max.
- Healthcare Sharing: One annual Primary Responsibility Amount (PRA) per household before bills are shared.
Coinsurance & Out-of-Pocket Costs
- Insurance: Ongoing coinsurance (e.g., 20% of every bill).
- Healthcare Sharing: Some programs may require a co-sharing amount or small provider fee due at time of service.
Provider Networks
- HMO: Strict, limited networks with referrals required.
- PPO: Larger networks, higher premiums.
- CHM: No network—see any doctor, any hospital.
- Medi-Share: Preferred provider network for discounted rates.
- Impact: No networks—freedom to choose any provider.
Popular Healthcare Sharing Programs
Several organizations have become leaders in the healthcare sharing movement. Here’s how the most recognized programs compare.
Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM)
Founded in 1981, CHM is one of the longest-running healthcare sharing ministries.
- Tiers: Gold, Silver, and Bronze membership levels.
- Provider Choice: No network restrictions.
- Reimbursement Model: Members pay providers directly, then submit bills for reimbursement.
- Faith Commitments: Broadly inclusive across Christian denominations.
- Preexisting Conditions: Some sharing limitations apply.
Medi-Share (Christian Care Ministry)
Since 1993, Medi-Share has served hundreds of thousands of members nationwide.
- Monthly Shares: Contributions used to satisfy eligible expenses.
- Primary Responsibility Amount (AHP/PRA): Works like a deductible.
- Provider Network: Negotiates discounts through preferred providers.
- Lifestyle Standards: Members commit to a statement of faith and healthy lifestyle agreement.
- Processing: Medi-Share coordinates bill payments on members’ behalf.
Medi-Share is valued for its structure and track record, though costs may be higher compared to other sharing programs.
Impact Health Sharing
Launched in 2020, Impact Health Sharing combines modern tech with a people-first approach.
- Savings: Members save up to 50% every month compared to insurance.
- Provider Access: No provider networks—choose any doctor or hospital.
- Fast Processing: Eligible expenses shared and paid within 15 days.
- Stability: No across-the-board price increases in over 5 years.
- Support: Concierge-style service and Wellness Rewards for healthy living.
- Community Values: Rooted in Christian principles but open to all, focusing on people over profits.
Impact has quickly become a trusted alternative for those who want affordability, freedom, and transparency.
Why Members Choose Healthcare Sharing
Members often turn to healthcare sharing because it delivers advantages that insurance plans struggle to match:
- Lower monthly costs than unsubsidized ACA plans.
- Freedom of provider choice with no restrictive HMO or PPO networks.
- Flexible enrollment—join anytime of year.
- Transparent community support instead of confusing insurance jargon.
- Added perks like telehealth, wellness rewards, and concierge support.
Considerations Before Joining
While healthcare sharing has many advantages, it’s important to weigh the factors:
- Not legally insurance: Payments are not guaranteed, though sharing history is strong.
- Exclusions apply: Some procedures may not be eligible, especially those conflicting with faith-based values.
- Preexisting conditions: Provisions can be limited or phased in over time.
- ACA subsidies: If you qualify for significant subsidies, marketplace insurance may be more affordable.
Final Thoughts
Healthcare sharing offers an increasingly popular alternative to rising premiums and shrinking options in the insurance market. Programs like CHM, Medi-Share, and Impact Health Sharing provide flexibility, affordability, and community support in ways insurance plans often cannot.
If you’re tired of unpredictable costs and mounting restrictions, healthcare sharing may be the solution.
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