Paying More Every Month—But Still Unsure What You Have?

Health sharing is a voluntary arrangement in which members contribute monthly and eligible medical expenses may be shared according to membership guidelines. It is not insurance, and sharing is not guaranteed. Insurance is regulated differently and has its own terms, protections, and costs. Review the membership guidelines before deciding whether health sharing fits your situation.

The Initial Unshareable Amount, or IUA, is the amount a household pays toward an eligible medical need before additional eligible expenses may be shared with the community. Members choose an IUA of $1,250, $2,500, or $5,000. For added peace of mind, a household is responsible for no more than three IUAs in any rolling 12-month period. After a household has met three IUAs, additional eligible sharing requests over $500 have no further IUA responsibility during that rolling period.

Yes. If you have other insurance, an employer group plan, government assistance, or a similar arrangement, those options are considered first. After applicable benefits have been used, remaining eligible medical expenses may be considered for sharing under the current membership guidelines. It is important to disclose other coverage when a sharing request is submitted.

Pre-membership conditions can be subject to phase-in periods, limitations, or other eligibility rules. The current schedule begins with no sharing in the first membership year, then allows up to $25,000 in year two, $50,000 in year three, and up to $125,000 in year four and later when the applicable guidelines are met. These are membership-year maximums, not one-time lifetime totals. Read the current guidelines carefully and consider speaking with a qualified representative about your circumstances before joining.

For maternity sharing requests, households that selected a $1,250 or $2,500 IUA use the standard $2,500 maternity IUA. A household that selected the $5,000 IUA remains responsible for its $5,000 IUA for maternity. Current waiting periods, eligibility requirements, and membership guidelines still apply.

Mental health treatment costs and expenses related to neurodivergent conditions, including ADHD or autism, are not eligible for sharing through the community cost-sharing pool. Direct Membership also includes access to Primestin Care resources: members age 13 and older can use TalkspaceGo, a self-guided wellness app with classes and reflection tools. TalkspaceGo is not licensed therapy. Members who want licensed therapy may access a Talkspace member rate of $50 per month for the first three months, then $200 per month if they continue. These resources are separate from the community sharing pool.

Eligible medical expenses for cancer diagnosis and treatment may be considered for sharing in accordance with the current membership guidelines. As with any medical need, eligibility and sharing are determined under those guidelines, so review the official details for your specific situation.

HealthShare is highlighted for people looking for a secular health-sharing option without a faith statement requirement. Membership details, pricing, network flexibility, and sharing guidelines should still be reviewed against your household's needs. This site's recommendation is editorial and does not replace the official membership guidelines.

We may earn a commission when someone joins through an affiliate link, at no additional cost to that member. Our educational content should be read alongside the official guidelines, rates, and terms. We aim to explain trade-offs clearly rather than present health sharing as a substitute for every household.

Health sharing is a distinct voluntary model, not insurance. A legitimate evaluation should include the official membership guidelines, current rates, eligibility terms, sharing limitations, and the organization's contact information. Do not rely on a summary page alone when deciding about a major health-care expense.

Membership changes and cancellation terms are governed by the current membership guidelines. Before joining, confirm the required notice period, any effective dates, and how a cancellation affects pending or future sharing requests.