Does Zion HealthShare use provider networks? No, Zion HealthShare does not have provider networks. Members can choose any licensed doctor, specialist, or hospital anywhere in the U.S. without restrictions. This freedom simplifies your healthcare choices and eliminates network-related hassles. Members are able to select providers based on expertise, location, or personal recommendations rather than being limited to a network list. This flexibility gives members the ability to focus on care that meets their individual needs without worrying about network restrictions or penalties.
Because Zion HealthShare is not insurance, providers often offer the same or better rates than they would to insured patients. Many members pay lower cash rates than they would through health insurance networks, allowing for significant savings of up to 70%. For example, a routine MRI that might cost $2,000 through insurance could be $650 cash pay, a $250 doctor’s visit may be $90, and a $3,500 procedure may be $1,200.
Why Provider Networks Cause Issues
Provider networks in health insurance often restrict your choices, creating frustration. If your preferred doctor isn’t in-network, you may face higher costs or denied claims. Finding specialists, especially in rural areas, can be challenging, and switching providers often requires pre-approvals or referrals.
Networks also create financial uncertainty. Surprise bills are common when patients unknowingly receive care from out-of-network providers, such as an anesthesiologist during surgery. Even when a network looks large on paper, it doesn’t guarantee that your doctor or hospital is conveniently located, taking new patients, or available when you need care.
For many families, these limits can disrupt continuity of care. A pediatrician you’ve seen for years could be dropped from an insurance network, forcing you to switch providers or pay steep out-of-network costs. Zion HealthShare eliminates these network restrictions, giving members freedom to choose the providers that work best for them.
How the No-Network Model Works
Zion HealthShare is a medical cost-sharing community, not insurance. Members contribute monthly towards the eligible medical expenses of other members. Unlike insurance plans, Zion HealthShare does not have in-network restrictions. Members can choose any licensed U.S. doctor, hospital, or specialist without penalties or surprise bills.
Because Zion HealthShare is not insurance, members are not bound to inflated network prices. Many healthcare providers offer discounted cash-pay pricing, which can be significantly lower than insurance network rates. This gives members the opportunity to save money on medical care while still accessing quality services. By negotiating directly with providers, members can often find fair pricing for the services they need, which benefits the individual and the community.
Zion HealthShare vs. Traditional Insurance
Here’s how Zion HealthShare compares to traditional insurance regarding networks, enrollment, and costs:
| Feature | Zion HealthShare | Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Provider Networks | None; choose any licensed provider | Restricted to in-network providers |
| Enrollment Period | Year-round | Limited to open enrollment |
| Out-of-Network Penalties | None | Common; higher costs |
| Cost Negotiation | Members negotiate directly, with cash pay rates | Pre-negotiated in-network rates |
Benefits of Choosing Your Own Providers
Need a cardiologist, pediatrician, or specialist? With Zion HealthShare you choose based on expertise, location, or recommendations, not a network list. This flexibility allows members to make decisions that are best for their care while still having access to quality healthcare nationwide. Being free of networks also supports consistency. Members don’t have to worry about their trusted providers leaving a network or being dropped. They can continue seeing the same doctor or specialist without interruption.
FAQs About Zion HealthShare
Can I join Zion HealthShare anytime? Yes, Zion HealthShare allows enrollment year-round, unlike insurance plans limited by open enrollment periods.
How do no networks affect my costs? Members can negotiate directly with providers, often receiving significant discounts. Zion HealthShare can also help you locate a fair-priced provider in your area.
Is Zion HealthShare affordable for families? Yes. Monthly contributions are designed to be affordable for families of all sizes.
How do members pay for care? Zion HealthShare offers several flexible options for paying for eligible medical needs:
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- Instant sharing with a prepaid card: for eligible medical expenses, a prepaid card may be issued to pay for the medical services directly at the provider’s office.
- Reimbursement: Members pay for the service directly and submit receipts afterward for sharing.
- Prepay for services: Some providers may provide a good faith estimate, Zion HealthShare can prepay the expense, helping manage costs ahead of time.
- Direct Billing: Members can work with Zion HealthShare to have the bill paid directly. Once a member receives the bill, they submit it to Zion HealthShare, and the eligible expense is shared directly, so no additional payment is required from the member after the IUA is satisfied.
Get Started with Zion HealthShare
Zion HealthShare’s network-free structure gives members unmatched flexibility for healthcare choices. Ready to break free from insurance restrictions? Visit zionhealthshare.org to explore a community-driven way to manage medical costs.
Zion HealthShare is not an insurance company. Neither this publication nor membership in Zion HealthShare are offered by an insurance company. Visit zionhealthshare.org to view your state-specific notice.
Current as of: January 9, 2026