Christian Health Sharing Ministries: Answers to Common Questions

More Christians are choosing to join a healthcare sharing program instead of health insurance. Not only is it more affordable, but a Christian healthsharing ministry also empowers members to take charge of their own healthcare while receiving support from a like-minded community. To decide if a faith-based healthsharing program is right for you, check out these answers to common questions about joining a healthcare ministry. 

What is a Christian healthsharing program? 

It is a Christian-based healthcare financing option that is not health insurance. Members make monthly contributions, which are called “monthly shares,” that vary based on the healthsharing program they choose and the number of people on their membership. These contributions are used to share in the eligible medical expenses of others in the faith-based group. A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, such as Liberty HealthShare, facilitates this voluntary sharing among members. It empowers members to put their trust in a Christian community rather than insurance companies or the government. 

What’s the difference between a Christian healthsharing ministry and health insurance? 

Healthsharing is not insurance. It’s a member-based community of believers who share one another’s eligible medical expenses. Christian healthsharing programs offer members an affordable way to break free from health insurance and take control of their own healthcare. It’s important to note that healthcare sharing ministries aren’t regulated by state insurance regulators and are not allowed to “promise” that your medical expenses will be shared. Some, however, do have appeals processes in place if you disagree with a decision. 

What are the advantages of healthcare sharing? 

There are many advantages to joining a Christian healthsharing ministry such as Liberty HealthShare. But to keep it simple, here are 3 top advantages: 

1. Save Money – There are a variety of affordable sharing programs from which to choose. Plus, you’ll have the resources to find fair and reasonable healthcare pricing. 
2. More Choices and Control – You have the freedom to choose your program and your healthcare providers. Plus, a secure online portal lets you track where your money goes. 
3. Belong to a Christian Community – Join the thousands of members who believe in maintaining a Christian lifestyle, being good stewards of their health and resources, and helping others.

How does a Christian health share ministry work?

Members choose the health sharing program that works best for them based on factors such as age, family size, and budget. Each month, members contribute a monthly share amount based on their chosen program and the number of people on their membership. Once the share is sent, Liberty HealthShare matches it to other members who’ve submitted eligible medical expenses. All sharing takes place via a secure online portal. 

How strict are the religious requirements? 

A Christian healthsharing ministry is based on shared ethical and religious beliefs. It’s designed for people who maintain a Christian lifestyle. This means that members must agree to: 

• Observe Christian Standards – such as living by biblical principles 
• Accept Shared Beliefs – such as the spiritual and ethical duty to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid foods, behaviors or habits that produce sickness or disease 
• Maintain a Christian Lifestyle – such as following scriptural teachings on the use of alcohol 

You can learn more about the qualifications and requirements here.

Do Christian healthshare ministries require premiums, co-pays or deductibles? 

Members of faith-based medical cost-sharing programs do make a monthly payment. However, it's not called a premium. It's referred to as a "Monthly Share Amount" and is voluntary. With Liberty HealthShare, monthly contributions start as low as $89 a month for individuals, with programs available for individuals, couples, and families across a range of budgets — see all programs for current pricing.

Deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses do not exist in healthsharing. Most programs do have an “Annual Unshared Amount (AUA)” amount. This is the amount you’re responsible for before sharing can take place. With Liberty HealthShare, AUAs vary based on the chosen program. 

What expenses are eligible for sharing in a Christian healthsharing ministry? 

A faith-based community has an ethical obligation to fellow members. Upholding Christian principles and values helps prevent unnecessary financial burdens on members. That’s why only medical expenses associated with healthy lifestyle choices are eligible for sharing. 

• Wellness and screening appointments 
• Ancillary therapies 
• Physical and clinic visits 
• Home health care 
• TeleHealth visits 
• Medical testing 
• Ambulance transport 
• Urgent care 
• Vaccinations 
• Emergency care 
• Surgery and hospital care 
• Prenatal and maternity care 

Restrictions apply, including pre-existing conditions. Not all expenses are eligible for sharing in the Liberty Freedom, Liberty Rise and Liberty Assist sharing programs. See Sharing Guidelines for complete details. 

How does Liberty HealthShare handle pre-existing conditions?

Pre-existing conditions are addressed through a defined timeline outlined in Liberty HealthShare's Sharing Guidelines. In general, medical expenses related to a condition that existed prior to membership are not eligible for sharing during the first year of membership. In years two and three, those expenses may be eligible for sharing up to $50,000 (combined). Starting in year four of continuous membership, pre-existing condition expenses become fully eligible for sharing with no dollar cap specific to that condition.

This framework allows members to plan ahead and understand how their health history affects their sharing eligibility over time. Members are encouraged to review the full Sharing Guidelines or contact Liberty HealthShare with specific questions about their situation.

Does Liberty HealthShare offer any help with prescription costs?

Liberty HealthShare members have access to a prescription discount program that can reduce the cost of generic medications by 50–95%. This additional feature is available to members as part of their membership and can help make day-to-day medication costs more manageable alongside their sharing program.

Medications not included in the discount program are eligible for sharing for the first 45 days of treatment if prescribed for an acute illness or new diagnosis.  

Does faith-based healthcare cover the essential health benefits mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

Christian healthcare sharing ministries, because they are not insurance, are not required to follow ACA coverage mandates. In practical terms, this means two things for members: greater flexibility in program design, and lower monthly contributions— since ministries aren't required to include mandated benefits that members may not need or want.

To maintain ACA-compliant status, a faith-based health ministry such as Liberty HealthShare must meet the following requirements: 

• Members must share common ethical or religious beliefs 
• Programs can’t be different based on where people work or live 
• Medical costs must be shared among members, regardless of the state they live in 
• Members can’t lose their membership if they develop a medical condition, but they can be unenrolled if they don’t share their monthly contributions
• Must have been in existence since 1999
• Plans must be audited once a year, and the results made public

Is there a tax penalty for healthcare cost sharing?

The federal penalty for not having health insurance ended in 2018. Five states (California, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Vermont) and the District of Columbia require proof of health insurance coverage on annual state taxes. However, members of ACA-compliant Christian healthsharing ministries, such as Liberty HealthShare, are exempt from individual state mandates. Check out your state’s tax information for details or talk to a local tax advisor if you have questions. 

Can I use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) along with a Christian health sharing program? 

Yes. You can use a medical cost-sharing program, like Liberty HealthShare, along with funds in an HSA or HRA to help manage your healthcare expenses and keep costs affordable. However, members of medical cost-sharing programs are not eligible to contribute to an HSA or HRA. If you wish to make HSA or HRA contributions, you must also have a MEC (minimum essential coverage) insurance plan or a high-deductible plan (HDHP) to be eligible.

Can I keep my doctor with a Christian healthshare program?

Absolutely! That’s a huge benefit of joining a Christian healthcare ministry such as Liberty HealthShare. You have the freedom to choose any doctor, specialist, or medical facility anywhere in the country. You’re not limited to a network or location, and no referrals are needed. If you like your doctor--keep your doctor. You’re in control.

Explore our Medical Cost-Sharing Programs 

If you’re interested in joining our Christian healthcare ministry, explore our programs or learn more about how sharing works.