Zion HealthShare Newsroom
Updates, announcements, and expert commentary on what’s shaping healthcare today
Self-Pay Healthcare: What It Actually Costs (And Why It Might Be Less Than You Think)
A posted self-pay rate typically runs about 10 to 30 percent below the hospital's list price, and for generics a pharmacy discount program often beats the insured copayAs more Americans turn to self-pay healthcare, transparent pricing, cash-pay discounts, and...
Healthcare Innovator, Dr. Justin Voris, Joins Zion HealthShare Board
Article Highlights
- Justin Voris joins Zion HealthShare Board, bringing over a decade of experience in family medicine.
- His background in Direct Primary Care (DPC) supports a focus on simplifying care and strengthening physician–patient relationships.
- Dr. Voris currently serves as President of the Arkansas Academy of Family Physicians and contributes leadership experience in multiple medical and community organizations.
As Medical Debt Fears Grow, Illinois Moves to Protect Patients’ Homes From Liens
Article Highlights
- Illinois HB 4461 would prohibit hospitals from placing liens on a patient’s primary residence due to unpaid medical debt.
- The bill advanced through the Illinois Senate and would amend both the state’s Fair Patient Billing Act and Code of Civil Procedure.
- Supporters argue that healthcare debt should not jeopardize housing stability, especially when medical expenses are often unexpected.
- The legislation was introduced following reports of aggressive debt collection practices, including liens on homes for medical debts as low as $2,000 after the acquisition of St. Margaret’s Hospital by OSF HealthCare.
- The bill reflects broader concerns about healthcare affordability and transparency, as more Americans explore alternatives such as self-pay healthcare, direct primary care, cash-pay arrangements, and health sharing communities.
Business After Hours Networking Event Brings Healthcare Innovators Together in Littleton
Article Highlights
- Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care and Smith Medical Direct Specialty Care hosted the Business After Hours networking event on May 13 in Littleton, Colorado.
- The event brought together healthcare providers, business leaders, and organizations focused on alternatives to traditional healthcare.
- Zion HealthShare attended to share information about medical cost sharing and connect with healthcare innovators in the region.
- Participants emphasized shared values of transparency, affordability, accessibility, and patient-centered care.
- The event also supported the local nonprofit Symphony of the Rockies while fostering partnerships that can improve healthcare options for patients and employers.
Kansas Approves Tax Deduction for Health Sharing Organization Members
Article Highlights
- Kansas passed the Health Care Sharing Ministries Tax Deduction Act, effective for the 2027 tax year.
- Individuals can deduct up to $5,000, while married couples filing jointly can deduct up to $10,000.
- The deduction applies to members of nonprofit health sharing ministries, not insurance plans.
- Laura Kelly vetoed the bill, but lawmakers overrode the veto to pass it into law.
- The law expands financial flexibility and access to alternative health care options for Kansas residents.
Why HealthShares are the New Move: A Growing Shift Away from Traditional Health Insurance
Article Highlights
- Rising insurance costs and expiring subsidies are pushing more Americans to explore healthshares as a flexible, affordable alternative.
- Healthshares offer autonomy, allowing members to choose their own providers and negotiate self-pay prices without restrictive networks.
- Many members pair healthshares with Direct Primary Care for improved access, transparency, and stronger doctor-patient relationships.
- Experts recommend choosing healthshares with clear guidelines, responsive support, and digital-friendly submission processes.
- For freelancers, small business owners, and those frustrated with traditional insurance, healthshares represent a values-based, community-driven model of care.
Zion HealthShare Surpasses 75,000 Members, Shares $91.1 Million in 2025
Article Highlights
- Zion HealthShare has surpassed 75,000 members, signaling strong national growth.
- Members shared a total of $91.1 million in eligible medical expenses in 2025.
- The largest portion, $45.66 million, went toward general medical sharing requests.
- $26.35 million supported surgical procedures, while $15.42 million went to maternity needs.
- Continued growth reflects rising demand for community-driven alternatives to traditional health insurance.
Why More Freelancers Are Exploring Health Sharing in 2026
Article Highlights
- New healthcare subsidy rules in 2026 mean many self-employed workers may earn just above eligibility limits and must pay full insurance premiums.
- Freelancers who estimate their income incorrectly when applying for subsidies may have to repay part or all of the subsidy at tax time.
- Programs like Zion HealthShare are nonprofit communities where members share eligible medical expenses rather than purchasing insurance.
- Health sharing uses an Initial Unshareable Amount instead of deductibles and may provide clearer expectations around healthcare costs.
- Health sharing can provide an additional solution for clients who do not qualify for marketplace subsidies or whose income varies year to year.
Zion HealthShare Named Official Sponsor of the 2026 HINT Summit in Nashville
Article Highlights
- Zion HealthShare is an official sponsor of the 2026 HINT Summit, highlighting its commitment to direct primary care and alternative healthcare solutions.
- The HINT Summit brings together doctors, healthcare leaders, and innovators to explore affordable, transparent, and patient-focused care models.
- Zion HealthShare provides members with a nonprofit, community-driven alternative to health insurance, helping manage healthcare costs.
- Combining direct primary care memberships with health sharing programs simplifies healthcare, offering affordable access to both routine and major medical care.
- The Summit offers Zion HealthShare an opportunity to expand its national DPC provider map and strengthen connections between members and trusted physicians.
Direct Primary Care Expands as Physicians and Patients Seek Simpler Healthcare Model
Article Highlights
- Direct Primary Care removes insurance from routine visits and focuses on transparent, membership-based primary care.
- Physicians in DPC practices typically offer longer appointments, allowing for deeper patient relationships and preventive care.
- Flat monthly fees provide predictable costs, while labs and medications are often offered at discounted, upfront pricing.
- Regulatory changes now allow Health Savings Accounts to be used for DPC memberships, increasing employer interest.
- The DPC model continues to expand nationwide as patients seek alternatives to traditional insurance-driven healthcare.
Zion HealthShare Leaders Appear on My DPC Story Podcast to Discuss Direct Primary Care and Healthcare Access
Article Highlights
- Zion HealthShare President Ashton Casper and Board Member Camila Guerrero appeared on the My DPC Story podcast.
- The episode focused on Direct Primary Care and preparing for larger medical events through community-based solutions.
- Leaders emphasized transparency, affordability, and stronger physician-patient relationships.
- Guerrero shared her personal experience seeking better healthcare delivery models centered on patients.
- A live Q and A session followed the episode, giving DPC physicians and prospective members direct access to Zion HealthShare leadership.