If you’ve been exploring alternatives to traditional health insurance, you may have come across Christian healthcare sharing. But what exactly is a Christian healthcare sharing ministry, and how does it work?
We’ve put together a simple guide to help you understand this community-centred, faith-based approach to managing healthcare costs.
A Ministry, Not an Insurance Company
A Christian healthcare sharing ministry (often called an HCSM) is a non-profit, faith-based organization that helps its members share the cost of medical care. It’s built on the idea that caring for one another’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is part of living out Christian values.
Unlike health insurance companies, healthcare sharing ministries don’t operate for profit and don’t sell policies. Instead, members voluntarily contribute funds to help each other with eligible medical expenses. It’s more like joining a community of support than signing a contract with a company.
At its core, a Christian healthcare sharing ministry is a group of people united by faith and purpose, committed to bearing one another’s burdens during times of illness or hardship.
How Christian Healthcare Sharing Works
Each month, members contribute a fixed amount. These funds are then used to help with another member’s eligible medical expenses. If you experience a medical need, you can submit it for sharing. As long as the need fits the community’s guidelines, it will be shared using the pooled resources.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how Christian healthcare sharing ministries like WeShare function:
Monthly Contributions: Each member gives a fixed monthly amount. This is similar to a premium but usually costs less.
Annual Member Care Share (AMCS): Before medical needs are eligible for sharing, members meet a personal annual threshold, much like a deductible, but simpler and more transparent.
Consultation Fees: For everyday care, members pay small, fixed fees per visit (e.g. $25 for a doctor’s appointment).
Shared Medical Needs: After the AMCS is met, eligible medical bills are shared among the community. Members receive an explanation showing how their contributions helped others.
WeShare partners with leading national networks like PHCS® PPO and CVS Caremark™, which means members have access to over 1.2 million healthcare providers and 68,000 pharmacies across the country.
What’s Typically Included
Christian healthcare sharing programs vary, but many include:
- Office visits, labs, and hospital care
- Telehealth and urgent care
- Maternity and newborn support
- Mental health counseling
- Preventive care shared at 100%
- Discounts on prescriptions, nutrition, fitness, and faith-based resources
Why Thousands of Americans Are Making the Switch
Many are drawn to Christian healthcare sharing because it offers:
- Cost savings: Monthly contributions can be significantly lower than traditional plans
- Clarity: No fine print or medical jargon
- Community support: Members know they’re not navigating health needs alone
- Faith alignment: A spiritual foundation that encourages mutual care and responsibility
Built on Shared Faith and Practical Support
Membership is open to those who align with Christian values, even if they don’t personally identify as Christian, and the community emphasizes accountability, ethical choices, and whole-person wellness. Through WeShare, members care for each other physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
This model isn’t right for everyone. Certain high-risk lifestyles and pre-existing conditions may affect eligibility, but for those seeking a transparent, values-aligned, and affordable way to approach healthcare, Christian healthcare sharing offers a compelling path forward.
Want to see how a ministry like WeShare supports its members? Explore how it works and find the right program for your lifestyle and values.
