Real answers for your healthcare questions
What is a health sharing plan and is it the same as health insurance?
Answer
No. A health sharing arrangement is generally not health insurance. Members contribute money that may be used to help pay eligible medical expenses of other members, but payment is based on the sharing program's rules rather than an insurance contract.
What to Know
Health sharing programs may have restrictions involving pre existing conditions, preventive care, prescriptions, maternity care, provider discounts, or other services. They also may not have the same regulatory protections, appeals process, or guarantee of payment that applies to comprehensive health insurance.
What to Do Next
If you are considering health sharing, compare it side by side with ACA compliant health insurance. Read the sharing guidelines carefully and understand what happens if a large medical expense is not eligible for sharing.
Agent Perspectives
Be the first agent to share a perspective
Are you a licensed agent? Help clients with practical advice. Your name and profile appear with your answer.