Yes, healthcare sharing ministries are legitimate organizations that provide an alternative approach to healthcare financing for individuals who share common religious beliefs. However, understanding what "legitimate" means in this context requires recognizing that healthcare sharing ministries operate differently from traditional insurance and are subject to different regulations and standards.
Healthcare sharing ministries gained formal federal recognition through the Affordable Care Act, which created specific exemptions for members of these organizations from insurance mandate requirements. Liberty HealthShare received this federal recognition as an eligible healthcare sharing ministry in 2014, positioning it among a limited number of ministries to receive federal acknowledgment. This recognition confirms that healthcare sharing ministries represent a legally distinct category of healthcare financing—separate from both traditional insurance and uninsured status.
The legitimacy of healthcare sharing ministries is further demonstrated by sector growth. According to industry data, total U.S. participation in healthcare sharing has grown from approximately 150,000 members in 2010 to more than 1.7 million Americans today, demonstrating increasing recognition of healthcare sharing as a viable financing alternative for families seeking faith-based community support.
- Dorsey Morrow, Chief Executive Officer
The ministry operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, subjecting it to regulatory oversight and reporting requirements that provide transparency into its operations. Liberty HealthShare maintains approximately 160 team members and has been serving members for 30 years, with many of the earliest members from 1995 remaining with the ministry today—a track record that demonstrates sustained operational capability.
This voluntary nature is fundamental to the healthcare sharing model. As Chief Executive Officer Dorsey Morrow explains, the ministry's role is facilitation rather than contractual obligation: "We're not trying to make a profit on this. Our focus is we facilitate and that's it. There's no other objective on our part. We just want to help our members get the best care possible at the best value."
Legitimacy can also be measured by member experience and satisfaction. As of 2025, Liberty HealthShare reports approaching 80% member satisfaction, with member dissatisfaction as a reason for leaving dropping to approximately 2% of departures. The ministry maintains strong membership retention rates, which Morrow identifies as a key indicator of success: "If members tend to stay with us, retention is going to stay high, which it has been and it has continued to grow."
Healthcare sharing ministries are legitimate faith-based organizations, but they function under a different model than insurance. Prospective members should understand that sharing is voluntary, payments are not guaranteed, and members maintain personal responsibility for their medical bills. For individuals who align with Christian values and prefer community-based healthcare financing, healthcare sharing ministries like Liberty HealthShare offer a legitimate alternative that has served hundreds of thousands of Americans for decades.
Curious about how healthcare sharing may be a good fit for you and your family?