(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) – Health sharing plans are gaining national attention as a viable alternative to traditional health insurance, particularly among faith-based communities. These plans allow members to share medical costs, fostering a sense of mutual support and community. Impact Health Sharing, a not-for-profit organization, is one such plan offering this innovative approach to managing healthcare expenses.
Health sharing plans operate on a community-based model where members contribute monthly shares, which are then used to cover eligible medical expenses for other members. For example, if a member needs surgery, the community’s collective funds are pooled together to cover the costs, rather than the member having to bear the full financial burden alone.
These plans are usually faith-based and adhere to specific guidelines, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle or abstaining from certain behaviors like smoking or excessive drinking, which align with the group’s religious beliefs. Members often offer emotional support to each other, reinforcing the collective responsibility to support each other’s medical needs. This model emphasizes not just financial assistance but also a holistic approach to well-being, integrating spiritual and emotional care alongside physical health.
Impact Health Sharing’s model focuses on eliminating the profit-driven motives of traditional insurance companies. Members report significant savings, often ranging from 30-50% on healthcare costs. Testimonials on the organization’s website highlight financial relief and improved access to healthcare services, with some families saving as much as $1,000 monthly compared to traditional insurance premiums.
In a move to support health sharing programs, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) introduced the Health Care Sharing Ministry Tax Parity Act (H.R. 8776). This legislation was introduced to allow American taxpayers who are members of Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs) to deduct membership payments as medical care expenses, providing tax benefits similar to those for traditional insurance. An estimated 1.3 million Americans participate in these programs, sharing over $1 billion in medical expenses annually.
Health Care Sharing programs are also facing legal and regulatory challenges, as evidenced by a recent lawsuit in Colorado. The Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries filed a lawsuit against the Colorado Division of Insurance, arguing that new reporting requirements violate First Amendment rights. The new law requires health care sharing ministries to report member statistics and financial information, which the alliance claims is discriminatory.
While health sharing plans offer significant benefits, opponents of such programs are quick to point out potential risks. For example, Washington State has issued warnings about religious-based health sharing plans, highlighting that these plans are not legally required to pay claims for legitimate medical expenses. The Health Care Sharing Ministry (HCSM) OneShare has faced multiple consumer complaints for not paying customers’ medical bills, leading to a $150,000 fine and a halt in new customer enrollments in the state.
Health sharing plans like Impact Health Sharing provide an alternative to traditional health insurance, focusing on community support and cost-sharing. For residents of Simi Valley and beyond, these plans offer a different method of managing healthcare expenses, emphasizing mutual aid and transparency.
To conduct some of your own research, you can read more about Impact Health Sharing by visiting their website at: https://www.healthcaresharingquote.com/
