Based out of Saint George, Utah, Zion Health is a newcomer in the Medical Cost Sharing industry. Though Zion Health was established in 2019, they already have more members than some other experienced Health Shares. Zion Health appears to be a response to the often-exclusive nature of HealthShares.
How does a Zion Health membership work?
Zion Health Share extends an open invitation to anyone who wants to be a part of a community of people who prioritize their health. Zion Health does consider itself affiliated with a Higher Power, but it does not require members to declare any particular religious beliefs. Though not bound by faith, Zion Health is still a group of like-minded members who desire to balance personal and community responsibility and agree that they can best assist one another’s medical expenses by being ethical and conscious about their well-being.
There are a few things that make Zion Health unique compared to other Health Sharing ministries. The most notable is how straightforward the program structure is. Your monthly contribution is determined by your age and your choice of one of three Initial Unsharable Amount (IUA) options. Though the IUA is applied per need, you will never pay more than three IUAs in a rolling twelve-month period. All expenses related to anyone’s need will continue to be 100 percent shareable until you are symptom-free for twelve months. If you experience more than three needs in a twelve-month period, any eligible bills over $500 will be shared.
Some consumers may be wary about joining a young HealthShare. Indeed, while some longer-standing HealthShares may have preestablished guidelines for every possible shareable expense, Zion Health is still open to reviewing and assessing member need situations as they arise. Zion Health wants to reimagine the HealthShare experience, a process that their mission statement indicates is ongoing. If not spelled out in their member guidelines, many services may be considered shareable if prescribed by a licensed medical provider. Zion Health’s newness may be a point of caution for some, but customer reviews have been generally positive so far.
What about Pre-existing conditions
Zion Health is mainly designed to assist members with unexpected or unpredictable medical bills; however, their program is also built to address common health concerns and pre-existing medical conditions. Memberships may include an annual wellness visit that is immediately shareable. Additionally, sharing for pre-existing conditions is available under a phase-in program. You will wait for one year of membership before you may share any medical costs related to a pre-existing condition. After that, you may share limited amounts—the second year of membership you may share up to $25,000, the third year $50,000, and the fourth year $125,000. Most HealthShares simply will not share in costs associated with pre-existing conditions. This standout feature of the Zion Health approach may be a critical deciding factor for many prospective members.
Membership Requirements:
- Agree to the Zion Health Principles of Membership
- Be under age 65
Key Considerations:
- Members of all faiths accepted
- Quick need turn-around
- Tobacco users accepted, with an additional fee
- Initial waiting period for some sharing
Pros:
- Work with any provider and medical needs
- Telemedicine (Teladoc)
- Annual wellness visits
- Mental health resources (Lifeworks)
- No annual or lifetime sharing limits
- Maternity sharing for single or unwed mothers · Grandchildren may participate with grandparents
- Additional Giving Program
- Alternative health treatments shareable · Substance abuse treatment shareable (up to $3000) · Generic prescriptions shareable (Rx Share)
- Prescription discounts (OptumRx)
- IUA discounts may be available for pre-arranged surgeries
- Access to a national provider network PHCS/Multiplan
- Group/Employer programs available
- Discounted IUA for homebirth or birthing center
- End-of-life assistance for members and dependents · Colonoscopy, mammogram, youth immunizations shareable after 6 months of membership · At least 90% of contributions used for member sharing
Cons:
- New, still proving itself
- Adoption expenses not shareable
- Fertility not shareable
- Insulin-dependent Diabetes medications not shareable
- ADHD, ADHS, SPD not shareable
Ideal Candidates:
- Want a simplified HealthShare experience
- Need assistance managing pre-existing conditions
- Do not want to be involved with an overtly religious HealthShare
- Believe in the concept of helping one another through healthcare cost-sharing
- Participate recreationally (not professionally) in sporting activities that may result in injury
