The 2026 HealthShare Guide

A HealthShare is a community of members who come together based on shared beliefs, values, or principles to support one another by sharing the cost of eligible medical expenses. Each HealthShare has its own set of guidelines that members agree to follow, outlining what types of needs can be shared and how the program is maintained. While primarily designed to help with unexpected injuries or illnesses, HealthShares also offer additional services for other types of healthcare expenses.

A HealthShare works by bringing members together to share medical expenses. Each member contributes a set monthly amount into a shared fund, which is then used to help with one another’s eligible medical expenses.

When a member submits a medical need or request, they first pay an initial pre-share amount (similar to a deductible). Once that portion is met, the remaining approved expenses are shared through the community’s pooled contributions, based on the HealthShare’s specific guidelines.

HealthShares are not insurance. They operate under a completely different structure. They are not regulated like insurance companies and do not guarantee payment. Instead, they are voluntary programs where members contribute to support one another’s medical needs, guided by clear expectations and agreed-upon principles.

Because sharing is not guaranteed, it’s important to research and select a well-established HealthShare with a strong track record of serving members and honoring eligible needs with transparency and integrity.

This structure allows members to benefit from a like-minded community and lower healthcare costs, without sacrificing access to quality care.

Each HealthShare handles medical needs or requests differently. Key elements to review include the initial personal responsibility or pre-share amount, co-sharing percentages (if applicable), annual or lifetime sharing caps, how major events like surgeries or hospitalizations are handled, and waiting periods or exclusions, including pre-existing conditions. It is also important to check provider access, how needs or requests are submitted, and typical reimbursement timelines. These factors are essential for comparing one program to another.

Each program has its own membership requirements. These often include lifestyle or faith-based commitments and participation rules that members must follow to remain eligible, such as submission timeframes for needs or requests, pre-notification for planned care, where required, on-time payment of the monthly contribution, and adherence to the required billing process. Reviewing these requirements in advance helps ensure the HealthShare aligns with a member’s values, health needs, and expectations.

To maximize the benefits of a HealthShare membership, it’s important to be financially prepared for how cost sharing works. Out-of-pocket costs may include the monthly contribution, pre-share amount, and co-share percentage (for some HealthShares). Members may also need to pay for care upfront before submitting for reimbursement or set aside funds for expenses that aren’t eligible for sharing.

Planning ahead and understanding whether payments are made directly to providers or submitted for reimbursement can help reduce surprises, making the healthcare experience smoother and more manageable.