Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs)

These are organizations where members share a common set of ethical or religious beliefs and agree to help pay for each other’s medical bills.

While they may look and feel like health insurance, it is important to understand that they are not insurance products.

How They Work

Members contribute a monthly "share" (similar to a premium). When a member has a medical need, they submit the bill to the ministry, and funds from other members' shares are used to cover it.

Key components usually include:

• The Share: Your monthly contribution.

• The Unshared Amount: Similar to a deductible; the amount you pay out-of-pocket before the community starts sharing your costs.

• The Statement of Belief: Most require members to sign a document testifying to specific lifestyle choices or religious affiliations.