This section answers frequently asked questions about Healthcare sharing, Health Sharing or Medical Cost Sharing programs

What is Healthcare Sharing?

Healthcare sharing, Health Sharing or Medical Cost Sharing, are health programs for individual or families who are commitments to living healthy. For many individuals and families, these programs are a viable alternatives to traditional health insurance programs because they help alleviate the cost and expense of medical bills, while, at the same time, providing quality healthcare.

Medical Sharing and health share programs are not insurance, and medical expenses are not guaranteed. Instead, these programs facilitate the sharing among members, who voluntarily help one another with medical expenses. These plans are generally much more affordable than the cost of traditional health insurance.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), often referred to as 'Obamacare', doesn’t consider healthcare sharing, health sharing or medical cost sharing minimum essential coverage required under thw law, and in some cases you may face a tax penalty for choosing healthcare sharing, health sharing or medical cost sharing over ACA coverage.

How Long Has Medical Sharing Existed?

Healthcare sharing, health sharing or medical cost sharing have been around since the 1980s. When the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted many of these medical sharing programs were NOT subject to the individual mandate tax penalty, as they qualified as health coverage. With the 2019 reversal of the ACA tax penalty to $ 0, these health share programs, are exploding in popularity.

Are Is Medical Health Sharing Programs Legitimate?

Although Healthcare sharing, Health Sharing or Medical Cost Sharing programs are not considered insurance under the rules of the Affordable care Act (ACA), they are recognized by the HHS as 'coverage' and are a legitimate alternative to health insurance for many individuals and families. Members who choose health sharing are clearly advised that these programs are not health insurance.

Are Medical Health Sharing Programs Right for Me and My Family?

Only you can determine if Healthcare sharing, Health Sharing or Medical Cost Sharing programs are right for you. So it's important to gather as much information as possible so that you can make an informed decision.

With the constant rising costs of health insurance premiums and the seeming decreases in medical coverage, people can find themselves desperately looking for a feasible alternative. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a great healthcare program with an affordable monthly cost was available? A Healthcare Sharing program such as offered by OneShare Health may be just the answer you're looking for. With affordable options tailored to fit your individual needs and designed to give you the freedom to choose your own doctor, these programs have become popular alternatives to traditional health insurance. If you missed out on the ACA open enrollment this year and you don't want a Short Term Medical or Fixed Benefit plan, don't worry, call today to see why so many others have switched to a Healthcare Sharing program!

Sunvalley Insurance offers a wide range of health insurance programs, including alternatives to traditional such as Healthcare sharing, Health Sharing or Medical Cost Sharing programs and we are committed to help you speak to licensed experts who can address any of your concerns and help you find the right form of healthcare for you and your family. Medical sharing is not for everyone, but does save money and fit the needs of many people.

How Long Have Healthcare Sharing Programs Been Around?

Healthcare Sharing programs have been around for decades, and billions of dollars of healthcare needs have been shared by fellow members. Although Healthcare Sharing Programs are not considered to be traditional health insurance, they are great alternatives to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  They are also aACA-exempt. One of the most popular differences between the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Healthcare Sharing programs is that Healthcare Sharing programs offer open enrollment to new members all year long.

Which Healthcare Sharing Program Should I Choose?

That depends on how much protection you need. OneShare Health offers three levels of coverage to choose from: Catastrophic, Classic and Complete. Each program is designed to fit within your budget and meet your individual healthcare needs. This allows you to choose the program with just the right amount of provision and only pay for what you need.

Are Healthcare Sharing programs offered by Insurance companies?

No. These programs are only offered by Healthcare Sharing Organizations.

​Are Healthcare Sharing programs a New Concept?​

No. Healthcare Sharing programs have been around for decades, and billions of dollars of healthcare needs have been shared by fellow members.

Are Healthcare Sharing programs legal under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

A:  Yes!  As a recognized Healthcare Sharing Organization, OneShare Health members are exempt from the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Is maternity included?

Yes! See program brochure for details.​

Is preventative health included?

Yes! See program brochure for details.

What are the medical needs eligible for sharing?

Medical needs eligible to be shared by healthcare sharing members compare favorably to their prior medical coverage. Eligible medical needs are listed in the membership guidelines.

Does Sunvalley Insurance sell Healthcare Sharing Programs?

Yes. Sunvalley Insurance is an appointed agent for a number of different insurance companies. In addition, we are appointed to represent OneShare Health programs. However, as licensed experts we are committed to help you and your family find the best healthcare coverage option designed to truly met the needs of you and your family. This may be traditional ACA-based insurance, sort term insurance of a healthcare sharing program.

Are Healthcare Sharing programs available in my area? 

With the exception of Maryland (MD) and Virginia (VT) Sunvalley Insurance offers OneShare Health products nationwide.

Will my doctor or specialist accept my Healthcare Sharing program?

Sunvalley Insurance offers products from OneShare Health, a recognized Healthcare Sharing Organization that is part of MultiPlan-PHCS, a network that most medical providers participate in. To check if your provider is in the MultiPlan-PHCS network, Click here.

How do I become a member?

Becoming a member is easy. Simply complete the membership application process online.

​How much does a Healthcare Sharing program cost?

Your monthly contribution depends on the number of members in your family and the type of membership program you select.