Frequently Asked Questions

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Health Share Questions

What is a Health Share?

A health share is a membership based, nonprofit community where people contribute monthly to help share each other’s eligible medical expenses. Zion HealthShare is not insurance.

What is an Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA)?

The Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA) is the portion of eligible medical expenses a household is responsible for before sharing begins. Members select an IUA option of $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000. To help protect against high costs, each household is responsible for no more than three IUAs in any rolling 12-month period.

How does Zion HealthShare help with medical expenses?

When a member experiences a medical need, a sharing request is submitted through the member portal. After the request is determined eligible for sharing and the Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA) is paid, Zion HealthShare facilitates the sharing of eligible expenses with the community. Members may pay the provider directly and submit receipts for reimbursement, or Zion HealthShare can assist in coordinating payment at the time of service.

Can tobacco users participate in Zion HealthShare?

Tobacco users may join Zion HealthShare with an additional monthly charge of $50. After 12 consecutive months of being tobacco-free, the surcharge can be removed with documentation from a licensed medical provider. Some medical expenses related to tobacco use may also have limitations or exclusions. Full details are available in the Member Guidelines.

Are members required to use specific healthcare providers?

There are no network restrictions. Members may choose any licensed healthcare provider in the United States or Puerto Rico.

Sharing Questions

What kinds of medical expenses are eligible for sharing?

Eligible expenses include hospitalizations, surgeries, accidents, maternity, and many other medically necessary services. For more information on eligible expenses, please view our Member Guidelines.

Are expenses related to cancer eligible for sharing?

Yes. Zion HealthShare shares in eligible medical expenses for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Our community supports members throughout their cancer journey by sharing in qualifying medical costs in accordance with the Member Guidelines.

How are pre-membership medical conditions treated?

A pre-membership medical condition is anything where a member has experienced one or more of the following: been examined, diagnosed, taken medication, had symptoms, a personal history of or known increased risk of conditions that may arise or worsen in pregnancy, or received medical treatment within the 24 months prior to membership. These are subject to a phase-in period before becoming eligible for sharing. Exceptions apply for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, provided these have not resulted in hospitalization in the 12 months prior to membership.

Will Zion HealthShare share expenses for care received outside the United States?

Emergency or urgent care expenses incurred outside the United States or Puerto Rico may be eligible for sharing, subject to the Member Guidelines.

Does Zion HealthShare share prescription medications?

Eligible prescription expenses may be included as part of an eligible sharing request. Zion HealthShare also offers Zion RxShare, powered by RxValet, which provides access to discounted prescription medications. To learn more about Zion RxShare, visit our services page.

What if I have an insurance policy in addition to a Zion HealthShare membership?

When a member has health insurance, workers’ compensation, liability insurance, or similar coverage, this must be disclosed to Zion HealthShare. Because Zion HealthShare is not health insurance, any applicable insurer is considered the primary payer. The Zion HealthShare community only considers sharing in eligible medical expenses that remain unpaid after all relevant insurance claims have been processed and paid. This applies to auto insurance following a car accident as well. If existing coverage is not disclosed, the sharing request may be ineligible. Any available benefits, including insurance, government assistance, or the like should also be disclosed at the time of submission.

Finances

How does Zion HealthShare maintain financial stability?

Zion HealthShare is built on a foundation of transparency and responsible financial stewardship. Member contributions are carefully managed to support eligible sharing requests and maintain community strength. To promote trust and accountability, we publish our financial statements openly on our website.

How does Zion HealthShare pay for eligible medical expenses?

Zion HealthShare directly administers the sharing of eligible medical expenses, eliminating the need for members to send payments to each other. When a sharing request is determined eligible for sharing and the Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA) is met, Zion HealthShare coordinates payments to healthcare providers or reimburses members for eligible expenses. Members also benefit from cash pay discounts from providers, which significantly reduces costs compared to traditional insurance, making care more affordable.

How much did Zion HealthShare share in 2024?

In 2024, Zion HealthShare facilitated millions of dollars in shared medical expenses, directly supporting members in managing their healthcare costs. These shared expenses include a wide range of services such as maternity care, hospitalizations, surgeries, and preventive care. Please see below for a closer look at how the community’s contributions were shared.

Are Zion HealthShare membership contributions tax deductible?

No. Membership monthly contributions are made with post-tax dollars and are not tax deductible. However, contributions to the Additional Giving Fund may qualify as tax deductible. The Additional Giving Fund is used solely to assist members with requests that reach sharing limits or would otherwise be ineligible for sharing. We recommend consulting with a qualified tax professional for personalized guidance.

Companies & Organizations

Can Zion HealthShare be offered to employees?

Yes! Zion HealthShare is a flexible option for businesses of any size. Participation is voluntary and Employers may choose whether or not to contribute toward employee membership contributions.

Is Zion HealthShare ACA compliant?

Zion HealthShare is not ACA compliant. It is a nonprofit, community based alternative to traditional insurance.

Are there any minimum participation requirements?

A minimum of two participating households is required to enroll a company with Zion HealthShare. No additional participation minimums apply.

How does Zion HealthShare maintain financial stability?

Zion HealthShare is built on a foundation of transparency and responsible financial stewardship. Member contributions are carefully managed to support eligible sharing requests and maintain community strength. To promote trust and accountability, we publish our financial statements openly on our website.

Why do businesses choose Zion HealthShare?

Businesses value Zion HealthShare’s affordability, flexibility, and simplicity. Key advantages include: No required employer contributions, no minimum participation beyond two households, no network restrictions, open to businesses of all types, and employees may join or leave at any time.

How do businesses enroll with Zion HealthShare?

Businesses can easily enroll by scheduling a call with our team. We’ll guide you through the process and help your employees understand how to join the Zion HealthShare community.