Healthcare costs continue to rise, leaving many individuals and families searching for reliable and affordable ways to access care. With enhanced premium subsidies set to expire at the end of the year and no determination yet on whether they will be extended, many households may soon face significantly higher insurance premiums.
According to recent data from Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), “currently subsidized enrollees could see their monthly premium payments more than double, increasing by an average of 114 percent.” Understandably, this uncertainty has encouraged many families to explore alternatives that offer greater stability and transparency.
Millions of Americans feel trapped by rising premiums, limited access to quality care, and out-of-pocket expenses that make even basic services difficult to afford. As 2026 approaches with another round of expected premium increases, the need for sustainable, community-centered options has never been clearer.
In response, many are turning to alternatives such as Direct Primary Care (DPC), a membership-based approach centered on accessibility, transparency, and a strong patient-physician relationship. As noted by the Direct Primary Coalition, “more than 2,300 DPC practices in 48 states and Washington, D.C., provide peerless access to great primary care to over 300,000 American patients.”
DPC practices work directly with patients rather than billing insurance, offering services such as unlimited office visits, youth immunizations, chronic disease management, and same-day or urgent appointments. This model offers extended appointment times and the ability to easily contact their provider, creating a more personal and consistent healthcare experience.
While DPC memberships manage everyday and preventive care, health sharing communities can provide support for larger or unexpected medical events. Healthshares operate as community-based alternatives to traditional insurance where members voluntarily contribute a set monthly amount. When a qualifying medical event occurs, members can request assistance with their medical bills through the community fund.
At Zion HealthShare, members choose an Initial Unshareable Amount, which is the portion they are responsible for before the community can share in the remaining eligible expenses for that medical event. Unlike a yearly deductible, the IUA applies per medical event. For example, if a member selects a $2,500 IUA and experiences an accident resulting in $5,000 of medical costs, the member would be responsible for the first $2,500 of those medical expenses. The community would then help with the remaining eligible expenses related to that event.
Members also present as self-pay when seeking care, allowing them to request direct-pay discounts that are often lower than insurance-negotiated rates. Which, according to the Mayo Clinic, “will apply to medically necessary inpatient and outpatient services for patients residing in the United States.” While this process may feel unfamiliar at first it can ultimately lead to significant savings.
Together, DPCs and health sharing communities are reshaping how people approach healthcare costs, offering flexibility and stronger patient relationships. The accessibility and personal connection offered by DPCs combined with the financial support and community-driven structure of Zion HealthShare give members a more affordable and empowering healthcare experience.
*Zion HealthShare does not endorse or recommend the direct primary care (DPC) providers that are listed on its website. DPC providers are listed merely as a reference to assist members and not as a guarantee of sharing. Additionally, any and all treatment received from a DPC is still subject to the Member Guidelines. Members should read and understand the Member Guidelines concerning what is considered shareable and not shareable with the community.