Zion HealthShare Newsroom
Updates, announcements, and expert commentary on what’s shaping healthcare today
Zion HealthShare Announces Direct Relationship with Teladoc to Improve Virtual Care Access
Member feedback made it clear that we needed to make virtual care easier to access. We listened, and we are taking action by working directly with Teladoc to simplify the experience. This transition strengthens an important member resource and will help members...
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.
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.
The Heart of Zion HealthShare: Community, Connection, and our Namesake
Article Highlights
- Zion HealthShare is named after Zion National Park, symbolizing sanctuary, unity, and community values.
- Founded in St. George, Utah, Zion HealthShare is a nonprofit medical cost-sharing community open to individuals, families, and businesses.
- Members contribute monthly to share eligible medical expenses, promoting affordability and mutual support.
- Zion HealthShare emphasizes transparency, simplicity, wellness, and freedom to choose any provider.
- Zion HealthShare was named the #1 Overall Top Rated HealthShare for 2025, due to its community-focused model.
How to Save on Prescription Drug Costs
Article Highlights
- U.S. prescription drug spending reached $378 billion in 2023, driven by unregulated prices, PBMs, and limited generics.
- Strategies to reduce costs include comparing prices, choosing generics, and leveraging assistance or government programs.
- Zion HealthShare members access Zion RxShare for steep prescription discounts, transparent pricing, and convenient home delivery.
- Zion HealthShare’s community-driven approach reduces financial stress and simplifies healthcare for members.