How Our Healthshare Works
All about the Zion HealthShare medical cost sharing community
What is a Healthshare?
A healthshare is a nonprofit, membership-based community where members share the cost of medical care instead of relying on traditional health insurance. Rather than functioning through policies and premiums, healthshares are built on the concept of shared responsibility. Members come together with shared values and agree to guidelines for eligibility in the community. These guidelines determine which medical expenses are eligible for sharing, and members usually have a personal responsibility amount before expenses are shared.
How Does Zion Healthshare Work?
Zion HealthShare operates by collecting monthly contributions from members to help share eligible medical expenses of the community. When a member faces a medical expense, they submit a sharing request for determination. The request is determined based on the community guidelines, and if approved, the expenses are shared using the collected contributions. Members are also responsible for an Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA), which they pay before the sharing process begins.
The specifics of what is eligible for sharing, along with the process for submitting and reviewing expenses, are outlined in the member guidelines. While some medical expenses may not be eligible for sharing, many members find this approach to be a cost-effective and flexible solution for managing their healthcare costs.
Benefits of a Healthshare
- Cost Efficiency: Healthshares typically offer lower monthly contributions compared to traditional insurance. By collecting members’ contributions and sharing medical expenses, they can provide significant savings.
- Freedom of Choice: Many healthshares allow members to choose any healthcare provider without network restrictions. This can be a huge advantage for those who want more freedom in managing their healthcare and avoiding the limitations often found with traditional insurance networks.
- No Enrollment Periods: Unlike traditional insurance, healthshares don’t require waiting for specific enrollment periods. Membership is open year-round, meaning individuals and businesses can join whenever they need.
- Transparent & Simple: Healthshares often publish detailed reports showing how contributions are used, providing members with confidence that their funds are being distributed fairly and efficiently. Additionally, non-profit organizations are required to provide 990 forms upon request, offering even greater transparency into their financial operations and ensuring accountability to members.
- Additional Services: In addition to assisting with larger medical expenses, some healthshares offer added services such as preventive care, prescription discounts, and mental health support.
What to Know When Choosing a Healthshare
- Eligibility and Member Guidelines: Healthshares have specific membership requirements, such as lifestyle guidelines or shared values. While some options are open to people of all faiths and beliefs, it’s important to understand the membership requirements before joining.
- Medical Expense Sharing: Healthshares typically share the costs of eligible medical expenses, but it’s essential to note that not all expenses are eligible. Pre-membership conditions, elective surgeries, and other non-emergency treatments may not be eligible for sharing, depending on the specific healthshare.
- Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA): Many healthshares have an initial unshareable amount or similar term that is the amount members pay per medical need before the sharing process begins. Typically, members pay this amount per medical need, and it tends to be less than a traditional insurance deductible. Unlike a traditional insurance deductible, the unshareable amount doesn’t reset annually. The specific details vary across different healthshares.
- Potential Waiting Periods: Some healthshares have waiting periods for new members or for certain types of medical expenses. It’s important to clarify these terms before you sign up, especially if you have existing medical needs.
Healthshare vs Traditional Health Insurance
Why Zion HealthShare?
Zion HealthShare offers the better way to manage healthcare costs. Our nonprofit community is built on affordability, transparency, and member support. We prioritize people by providing a simple, flexible solution to access care with zero network restrictions. Our community unites individuals, families, and organizations to help share the burden of medical expenses. With Zion HealthShare, members have a reliable, cost-effective solution to navigate healthcare with confidence.
At Zion HealthShare, we believe in giving members control over their healthcare decisions while offering financial peace of mind. We combine the best aspects of a healthshare with additional support and flexibility that set us apart.
What Makes Zion HealthShare Different?
- No Religious Requirements – Many healthshares are Christian-based ministries that require a statement of faith to join, but Zion HealthShare is open to everyone. We welcome individuals and families from all backgrounds.
- Freedom to Choose Providers – You can see any doctor, hospital, or specialist without being limited to a specific network.
- Additional Services Available – Members have access to services like telemedicine, mental health support, and prescription discounts to help manage their health affordably.
- Fast & Transparent Sharing – Eligible expenses are shared quickly, with a simple and clear process so members know what to expect.
- Year-Round Enrollment – You can join at any time—no waiting for an open enrollment period.
- Affordable Monthly Contributions – Our membership costs are designed to be budget-friendly, often significantly lower than traditional insurance.
How Sharing Works
- Members Contribute Monthly: Instead of paying insurance premiums, members make a monthly contribution based on their chosen membership option.
- Medical Expenses are Submitted: When a member experiences a medical event, they submit a sharing request.
- Expenses Are Processed & Shared: Eligible medical expenses beyond the member’s Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA) are shared with the community.
- Bills are paid: Some healthshares can facilitate payment directly to the provider or members can be reimbursed for any bills paid that exceed their initial unshareable amounts.
JOIN
LEARN
It is important to understand the Member Guidelines and know about medical expenses eligible for sharing.
CONTRIBUTE
All members contribute to the community monthly, and select an Initial Unshareable Amount if medical needs arise.
SHARE
LIVE
Ready to Sign Up?
Start managing your healthcare costs the better way today!