Zion HealthShare Newsroom
Updates, announcements, and expert commentary on what’s shaping healthcare today
Direct Primary Care Grows as Patients and Providers Look for a Better Way
“If someone has very complex, ongoing needs, it’s important to fully understand how the guidelines work”As healthcare costs continue to rise and care feels more rushed, many people are looking for a simpler, more personal experience. At the same time, providers are...
Zion HealthShare Announces Member Guideline Updates Effective January 1, 2026
Article Highlights
- New categories were added for adoption related birth expenses, hormonal deficiencies, and high-risk testing to expand clarity around eligibility.
- Adopted children are considered the same as biological children, some medical expenses may be eligible for sharing.
- Several existing guidelines including maternity care, end of life assistance, tobacco use, and neurodivergent disorders received major clarifications.
- Tobacco and cannabis updates reiterate surcharge rules, disclosure requirements, and $50,000 sharing limits for certain related conditions.
- Diagnostic testing eligibility now requires FDA-approved testing, with non-validated labs being ineligible for sharing.
Big 2026 Update: HSA Funds Can Now Be Used for Direct Primary Care Memberships
Article Highlights
- Starting January 1, 2026, individuals with High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) can use Health Savings Account (HSA) funds to pay for Direct Primary Care (DPC) memberships.
- This update, part of H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act, removes restrictions that previously prevented HSA contributions for DPC members.
- Members may use up to $150 per individual or $300 per family each month from their HSA for DPC fees, with annual inflation adjustments.
- The change expands access to affordable, relationship-based primary care and supports nontraditional health models like Healthshares.
- Combining DPC memberships with Healthshares allows members to cover preventive care through DPC and major medical needs through the sharing community—creating a more flexible, cost-effective healthcare approach.
Rethinking Healthcare Costs: How DPC Memberships and Healthshares Save You Money and Stress
Article Highlights
- Rising healthcare costs and expiring premium subsidies are pushing families to explore alternatives to traditional insurance.
- Direct Primary Care (DPC) offers a membership based model emphasizing accessibility, transparency, and strong patient-physician relationships.
- DPC memberships cover preventive care, chronic disease management, immunizations, and same day or urgent visits without insurance billing.
- Healthshares provide community-based financial support for larger, unexpected medical events, with members responsible for an Initial Unshareable Amount per event.
- Presenting as a self-pay patient can unlock direct pay discounts and significant savings, making the combination of DPC and Healthshares a flexible, affordable healthcare solution.
Meet the Newest Members of the Zion HealthShare Board
Article Highlights
- Zion HealthShare added three new board members: Wendy Elkington Stabler, Sid Rao, and Leo Rocha.
- Each brings valuable experience to strengthen the Zion HealthShare community.
- Their leadership supports Zion HealthShare’s growth as an affordable, people-first medical cost-sharing community.
Zion HealthShare’s Guide to Outdoor Fitness and Activities
Article Highlights
- Explore how outdoor activities boost physical health, reduce stress, and improve mood.
- Discover fun ways to stay active outside, from hiking and biking to yoga in nature.
- Learn how connecting with nature supports both personal wellness and environmental appreciation.
Zion HealthShare: Your Partner in Health
Article Highlights
- Discover how Zion HealthShare brings people together to share eligible medical expenses and support one another.
- Learn how membership simplifies healthcare costs through community and compassion.
- Explore the freedom to choose any provider without network restrictions.
- Find out how easy it is to join and become part of a transparent, affordable health-sharing community.
How Zion HealthShare Supports New Year’s Resolutions
Article Highlights
- Learn how Zion HealthShare helps members reach their New Year health goals through community and choice.
- Explore flexible Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA) options that fit your financial and health needs.
- See how transparent guidelines promote fairness and accountability in medical cost sharing.
- Understand Zion HealthShare’s simple three-step process for submitting and sharing medical expenses.
- Discover how families and individuals alike benefit from a supportive, transparent, and inclusive healthshare community.
Washington Statement
Article Highlights
- Washington law confirms that health care sharing ministries, also known as health shares, are not considered health carriers or insurers.
- Zion HealthShare, founded after 1999, does not meet the state’s health care sharing ministry definition.
- Zion HealthShare remains committed to returning to Washington and appreciates the support and patience of members and prospective members.
Growth and Progress at Zion HealthShare
Article Highlights
- Zion HealthShare has grown to about 60,000 members in five years, making it one of the largest healthshare communities.
- Member satisfaction and word-of-mouth referrals are the primary drivers of our rapid growth.
- Member Advocates provide personalized support to help members find reasonably priced, high-quality providers.
- Most sharing requests are processed within 2 to 4 weeks, reflecting our streamlined, scalable systems.
- Zion HealthShare emphasizes transparency, community accountability, and simple membership guidelines.
5 Tips for Navigating Zion HealthShare
Article Highlights
- Zion HealthShare simplifies healthcare by focusing on community-based medical cost sharing, not insurance.
- Members contribute a set monthly amount based on age, family size, and chosen Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA).
- Members can visit any healthcare provider and often save by comparing prices and using outpatient facilities.
- Always request an itemized bill to help identify potential errors and support sharing requests.
- Members are encouraged to prioritize healthy living to reduce long-term medical costs and promote better health.