Medishare Insurance

Medi-Share is a health care sharing ministry, not an insurance policy. You pay a monthly "share" amount, the organization pools those funds, and members' eligible medical bills are "shared" from that pool.

Medi-Share requires members to sign a statement of Christian faith and adhere to lifestyle guidelines (no tobacco, moderate alcohol, and a commitment to Biblical principles). Medical expenses tied to behaviours the ministry considers inconsistent with those principles—such as substance abuse treatment unrelated to prescribed medication or elective procedures the ministry deems non-essential—may not be shared.

For example, a family of four with members aged 35, 33, 8, and 5 might pay approximately $500 per month with a $5,000 AHP or $700 per month with a $2,500 AHP (rates fluctuate, check the Medi-Share website for current figures). Once you've paid $5,000 in eligible bills out of pocket in a year, Medi-Share will share expenses above that amount at 100% for sharable incidents.

Medi-Share publishes sharing guidelines that list sharable and non-sharable conditions. Sharable: emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, maternity (after a waiting period, typically 300 days from membership), cancer treatment, and many acute illnesses and injuries.

Mental health and prescription drugs have limited sharing. Medi-Share shares some counseling and psychiatric hospitalization, but coverage is narrower than ACA plans.

After receiving care, pay the provider directly up to your AHP if you have not met it for the year. Submit the bill to Medi-Share via the member portal or mobile app—upload an itemized statement and an Explanation of Benefits if you have one (many providers will generate an EOB-style summary even without insurance).

Processing typically takes 30 to 90 days from the date you submit a complete, eligible bill. Medi-Share is not bound by the claims-payment timelines state insurance law imposes on insurers, so delays can occur.

Visit the Medi-Share website and complete the online application. You will answer health questions (Medi-Share can decline membership or assign a higher AHP based on medical history), confirm your agreement with the Statement of Faith, and attest to the lifestyle standards.

Once approved, your sharing begins on the first day of the following month. You receive a member ID card and access to the member portal, where you can find provider discounts (Medi-Share has negotiated rates with some hospital systems and physician groups, similar to a PPO network, but providers are not required to accept the card).

Is Medi-Share considered health insurance for tax purposes?

No. Medi-Share is not minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act, so you cannot use it to satisfy the individual mandate in states that still impose one (California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia as of 2026).

Can I use Medi-Share if my employer requires proof of insurance?

Some employers accept Medi-Share membership as proof of coverage, but legally it is not insurance. Check your employer handbook or ask HR.

What happens if Medi-Share does not share a bill I thought was eligible?

Does Medi-Share work with any doctor or hospital?

You can see any provider willing to treat you, but Medi-Share has a "Provider Network" of facilities and physicians who have agreed to discounted self-pay rates. Using a network provider often results in a lower bill, which reduces your out-of-pocket cost and the amount you request for sharing.