When it comes to healthcare alternatives, HealthShare organizations have been gaining traction as a viable option for many people. It may still be a small and young industry, but there’s no shortage of HealthShares to choose from, each with its own unique requirements for membership. A prospective member could dig in and find that there is something in each company’s requirements that set it apart from the others, but in broad terms, most HealthShare organizations require similar things of their members.
Ethical and religious principles under HealthShares
At the heart of every HealthShare organization is a fundamental ethical value or religious belief, acting as the cornerstone of all sharing and decision making. While some of the oldest and largest organizations maintain strictly religious, and predominantly Christian, affiliations, others emphasize a healthy and positive lifestyle. To acknowledge these guiding principles, prospective members often have to agree to a written set of standards or beliefs. The requirements can range from simple agreement with certain principles to more stringent conditions. For example, Samaritan Ministries requires regular church attendance and periodic signoffs by local religious leaders, and other specifically religious conditions.
Healthy living with HealthShares
A common theme among leading HealthShares is the expectation for members to lead healthy lifestyles. The avoidance of harmful substances and habits, like tobacco, illicit drugs, excessive alcohol, and extra-marital sexual activity, is a general requirement. This mandate is often included in the statement of beliefs or standards, underscoring the focus on proactive health management.
Tobacco use with HealthShares
When it comes to tobacco use, the policies of HealthShare organizations can vary significantly. Some companies consider tobacco completely off limits, stipulating a strict no-tobacco-use condition for membership. The rationale behind this lies in the belief that members should lead a healthy lifestyle, and abstaining from tobacco is viewed as part of that commitment.
On the other hand, there are organizations that do accept members who use tobacco. However, these companies often introduce additional stipulations to counterbalance the risks associated with tobacco use. These can come in the form of additional fees paid with the regular monthly payment, or an upfront agreement that any medical costs arising from smoking-related complications will not be eligible for sharing.
Pre-existing conditions under HealthShares
The presence of a pre-existing condition typically does not hinder acceptance into a HealthShare. Nevertheless, it often comes with specific caveats. A HealthShare may accept a new member with pre-existing conditions, with the understanding that the costs related to such a condition would not be shared until a certain pre-defined period has passed. This approach acknowledges the reality of pre-existing conditions while maintaining the financial stability of the HealthShare.
Regional availability for HealthShares
Within the United States of America, the geographical location of a prospective member seldom affects eligibility for a HealthShare, though there are exceptions. Some HealthShare organizations, due to various reasons, might have agreed not to pursue or accept new members in certain states, such as Sedera or OneShare Health in Washington. These restrictions do not apply to all organizations, meaning prospective members will need to do their own research and verify their eligibility with a certain company based on their state of residence.
Joining a HealthShare is meant to be relatively straightforward. These organizations welcome virtually anyone who agrees to live by their defined standards and principles, which generally tend to lead to health benefits for the individual in the long run. In this way, the HealthShare industry is opening a new gateway to a community-based approach to handling healthcare costs, aligning personal beliefs with health management.
