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The Rise of Membership-Based Healthcare Options

As more Americans seek quality, affordable healthcare outside the traditional insurance model, membership-based healthcare options are gaining popularity. Christian healthshare ministries fall into this category, where individuals become members and pay a monthly fee to participate in a sharing community. Each healthshare has guidelines that often include pre-membership conditions, and it’s unfortunate that this particular experience occurred.

My heart goes out to this family—excited about their new addition and relieved to have found an affordable option, only to discover that one of the most significant medical needs they may ever face is not “covered.” Instead of focusing on their growing family, they are now burdened with the unexpected challenge of paying for a need they believed would be “shared” through their healthshare.

Unfortunately, situations like this are all too common in healthcare. Just consider the high rate of claims denials by major insurance companies like United Health.

Pre-Membership Conditions: A Key Consideration

Healthshares use pre-existing condition limitations to keep costs low and protect member contributions. For example, joining with an existing maternity need is considered a “pre-existing condition.” Without such limitations, the cost of a new member’s maternity need would be passed on to the community, jeopardizing the fund’s sustainability or requiring higher rates—similar to an insurance company’s approach.

indipop was created for the independent population seeking alternatives to traditional, costly insurance. Our mission is to share these options, provide resources and guidance, and empower people to make informed decisions about their healthcare. With a focus on radical transparency, we help individuals understand healthshares—how they work, who they’re best suited for, who may not be a good fit, and what to watch out for—so they can choose the option that best meets their family or small business needs.

How Healthshares Differ From Traditional Insurance

The healthshare model uses unique terminology, and each healthshare has its own guidelines. Like conventional insurance, it’s essential to understand what your membership includes and whether it meets your needs. Unlike insurance, many healthshares offer medical advocacy to help negotiate bills to fair market rates. Some also provide benevolent funds or resources to assist with high-cost, ineligible medical needs. This support is one reason many people are exploring healthshares—they’re tired of navigating a massive, impersonal healthcare system alone.

Both insurance and healthshares come with risks. We’ve heard horror stories of cesarean births costing over $25,000—even with insurance. At indipop, we often hear, “I was paying $2,000 a month, and when I needed it most, my insurance wasn’t there for me.”

There is no perfect solution in our healthcare system—no magical unicorn plan. Costs continue to rise, and the system grows more complex. A one-size-fits-all approach is no longer sustainable. People want well care, not sick care. At indipop, we’re committed to helping reimagine healthcare in the U.S. and supporting individuals every step of the way.

To read the full article click here
Faith-based cost-sharing seemed like an alternative to health insurance, until the childbirth bills arrived
By Aria Bendix | NBC News • Published December 22, 2024 • Updated on December 22

 

 

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