Yes, an employer can provide a health care sharing ministry as a benefit through a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), per IRS guidance issued in 2020.
Is healthcare sharing ministry tax deductible?
The IRS treats payments for health care sharing ministry memberships as eligible medical expenses that are tax deductible, provided they meet the criteria outlined in IRS rules.
That includes monthly “shares” (similar to premiums) and any required fees. Employers reimbursing employees for these costs through an HRA can also deduct those reimbursements as business expenses. Always run it by a tax advisor—rules shift more often than you’d think.
Are health care sharing ministries worth it?
For some individuals, health care sharing ministries offer a lower-cost alternative to traditional insurance, particularly for those who qualify based on faith and lifestyle requirements.
These programs can save healthy adults 30% to 50% a month compared with ACA plans. But watch out—pre-existing conditions often aren’t covered right away, and services like maternity care or mental health treatment may be excluded. On the upside, members get community support, which can feel pretty reassuring. Run the numbers against your health needs and budget before you sign up. If you're considering alternatives to employer health insurance, you might also explore options for declining employer health insurance.
What is health care sharing ministry products?
Health care sharing ministry products are faith-based programs where members with shared ethical or religious beliefs voluntarily share medical costs, rather than paying premiums to a traditional insurer.
Think of them as cooperatives under Section 5000A(d)(2)(B) of the Affordable Care Act—not insurance, so no state regulators breathing down their necks. Members agree to rules (no tobacco, no illegal drugs, etc.), then eligible bills get paid from pooled funds. Each program decides what counts as “shareable,” so read the fine print. For more on how these arrangements differ from traditional benefits, see employer benefit structures.
How much is Medi-Share monthly?
Medi-Share monthly share amounts start around $120 for individuals and $250 for families, depending on the program tier and household size.
Add a one-time $120 membership fee and a $50 application fee. Deductibles run from $350 to $10,000 per incident. Compare that to the national average ACA plan premium of $477 per month in 2026 for a 40-year-old. Rates change by state, age, and health history, so grab a personalized quote. Check Medi-Share.org for the latest numbers.
What does Dave Ramsey say about Medi-Share?
Dave Ramsey acknowledges that Medi-Share and similar programs are not insurance but may be a viable option for people who want to avoid traditional insurance due to cost or personal beliefs.
He’s quick to point out these programs don’t come with the same protections as regulated insurance—no guaranteed coverage for every condition. His advice? Pair a health share with a solid emergency fund and consider term life insurance for income protection. And, as always, talk to a fee-only financial advisor before you commit. Ramsey’s perspective on insurance alternatives ties into broader discussions about health insurance tax implications.
How do I cancel a Jericho share?
To cancel a Jericho Share membership, you must submit a written request via email to support@jerichoshare.org or call member services at (866) 545-2955.
Make sure the primary member includes their full name and member ID. If you give notice by the 15th, cancellation takes effect at month’s end. Partial-month refunds? None. Programs tweak their policies, so double-check your agreement.
What is the largest health sharing ministry?
As of 2026, Liberty HealthShare’s Liberty Unite Sharing Ministry Plan is one of the largest and most comprehensive options, with over 350,000 members nationwide.
Liberty Unite covers up to $1,000,000 per incident and has annual unshared amounts of $1,000 (individual), $1,750 (couple), or $2,250 (family). Medi-Share tops 400,000 members, while Samaritan Ministries serves over 300,000. Always confirm current membership numbers and plan availability in your state on each ministry’s official site. For insights on how these programs fit into broader employment contexts, see employer benefit policies.
Can you have an HSA with a health share plan?
No, you generally cannot contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA) if you’re only covered by a health sharing ministry, because HSA eligibility requires enrollment in an HSA-qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP).
An HSA-qualified plan must meet IRS minimum deductible and maximum out-of-pocket limits. Health sharing ministries don’t qualify as HDHPs, so you’re out of luck on HSAs. Some folks get creative by pairing a limited-benefit indemnity plan with a health share—just verify legality with a tax pro first.
What are the disadvantages of Medi-Share?
Medi-Share does not guarantee payment of all medical bills, may exclude pre-existing conditions for up to three years, and is not regulated like insurance
Many doctors won’t take Medi-Share, so you’ll often pay upfront and chase reimbursement later. There’s no cap on out-of-pocket costs, and claims can drag on for weeks. Members must follow Christian lifestyle guidelines—break them and you could lose coverage. Study the Member Guidelines and Explanation of Sharing before you join.
Can I cancel Medi-Share anytime?
Yes, you can cancel your Medi-Share membership at any time with no long-term commitment.
Medi-Share runs month-to-month, so you’re never locked in. Call member services or send a written request; cancellation takes effect at month’s end if you notify them by the 20th. No cancellation fees, which beats most insurance plans that force annual enrollment. That flexibility is one reason people like it.
Does Dave Ramsey recommend life insurance?
Yes, Dave Ramsey strongly recommends term life insurance as the only life insurance policy most people need.
His rule of thumb: buy 10–12 times your annual income for 15–20 years, depending on your kids’ ages. A 35-year-old making $60,000 might grab a $750,000, 20-year term policy for $30–$50 a month. Ramsey despises whole life or universal life—fees eat returns. Use an independent broker to compare quotes from top-rated carriers.
Is universal health fellowship legitimate?
Yes, Universal Health Fellowship (UHF) is a legitimate, not-for-profit health care sharing ministry affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association.
UHF runs Universal HealthShare (UHS), a faith-inclusive program open to anyone, regardless of belief. It’s been around for more than two decades and is ACA-certified. Members share eligible costs after hitting annual unshared amounts. Double-check current certification and member reviews—availability varies by state. To understand how these programs compare to employer-sponsored benefits, explore employer benefit trends.
What is the difference between health Share and health insurance?
The main difference is that health share plans are voluntary cooperatives where members agree to help cover each other’s costs, while health insurance is a regulated contract between you and an insurer.
Insurance companies must cover pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits by law. Health shares? No such rules—lifestyle or faith guidelines can get your claim denied. Insurance comes with legal protections and state guaranty funds; health shares run on trust and member contributions. And health shares may leave you high and dry in emergencies with no legal recourse for denied claims. For more on how employers navigate these distinctions, see employer policy considerations.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
