Welcome to HSA for America, your trusted resource for understanding affordable healthcare sharing options. If you’re exploring alternatives to traditional health insurance, our MediShare plans provide a community‑based approach to healthcare cost sharing that many individuals and families find appealing. Designed to be transparent, flexible, and cost‑effective, MediShare allows you to participate in a supportive community of members who share medical expenses.
In today’s ever‑changing healthcare landscape, it’s important to find a solution that fits your budget while offering peace of mind. That’s where MediShare stands out — but we also recognize that some individuals may compare it to or inquire about more traditional plans like Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shiel of Virginia. Understanding how these options differ can help you make an informed decision that matches your healthcare priorities.
This page will walk you through everything you need to know about MediShare plans, how they work, why people choose them, and how they compare with traditional insurance options.
What is MediShare?
MediShare is a healthcare cost‑sharing program that connects members in a faith‑based community. Instead of paying premiums to an insurance company, members contribute a monthly share amount into a collective pool. When medical needs arise, eligible expenses are paid out from this shared pool. MediShare is not health insurance — it is a cost‑sharing ministry that fosters support among members with similar values.
MediShare focuses on preventive care, wellness, and responsible utilization of healthcare services. It offers a structured yet flexible alternative to traditional insurance, especially for those who are healthy, want to manage their healthcare costs proactively, or prefer community‑driven solutions.
How MediShare Works
Monthly Share Amounts
When you join MediShare, you agree to contribute a monthly share amount. These contributions go into a pool used to pay eligible medical needs of other members. Each member’s contribution is calculated based on factors such as age, household size, and plan type.
Eligible Needs and Annual Household Portion
MediShare plans include an annual household portion (AHP), similar to a deductible in health insurance. Until this AHP is met, members may need to pay the costs of care directly. Once the AHP is met, eligible needs are processed and shared among the community.
Provider Networks
While MediShare allows you to visit many healthcare providers, members often have access to discounted rates through participating providers and networks. Members can choose where to receive care — in‑network or out‑of‑network — but rates and levels of sharing may vary.
Pre‑Existing Conditions and Waiting Periods
Some MediShare plans include guidelines for pre‑existing conditions, and there may be waiting periods before certain conditions are eligible for sharing. It’s important to review plan details carefully if you or a family member have ongoing medical needs.
Key Benefits of MediShare Plans
Cost Savings
One of the most appealing aspects of MediShare is potential cost savings compared to traditional health insurance. Monthly share amounts are often lower than typical premiums, and members may appreciate the transparency in how their contributions are used.
Community Support
Members of MediShare belong to a shared community that contributes toward one another’s medical needs. This community‑focused model can provide a sense of shared responsibility and support that traditional insurance doesn’t offer.
Flexibility
MediShare plans often include flexible provider choice, allowing members to seek care from a wide range of physicians and facilities. While discounts are available through certain networks, members aren’t strictly bound to a single provider list.
Faith‑Centered Approach
Many participants choose MediShare because it aligns with their faith‑based values. The program emphasizes principles such as mutual support, ethical healthcare utilization, and a community‑oriented mindset.
MediShare vs. Traditional Insurance
Understanding how MediShare differs from traditional health insurance options — such as those offered by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shiel of Virginia — is essential for choosing the right plan.
Cost Structure
MediShare: You pay a monthly share amount that goes into a collective pool. There are no premiums in the traditional insurance sense, and cost sharing depends on the plan’s guidelines.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shiel of Virginia: Traditional insurance plans typically involve monthly premiums, copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. These plans are regulated by state and federal guidelines.
Regulation and Guarantees
MediShare: MediShare is not considered health insurance and is not regulated like insurance products. There are no guarantees that funds will be available for every medical expense.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shiel of Virginia: As a traditional insurer, Anthem’s plans are subject to state and federal regulations, including requirements for coverage of essential health benefits and consumer protections.
Covered Services
MediShare: Eligible medical needs vary by plan, and not all services may be shareable. Coverage for preventive care, testing, prescriptions, and specialized treatments depends on plan details.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shiel of Virginia: Traditional health insurance plans generally include a comprehensive set of covered services, including preventive care, hospitalizations, lab tests, prescription drugs, and more, typically with regulated coverage standards.
Provider Networks
MediShare: Members can visit a range of healthcare providers but may receive better rates with certain participating providers. Out‑of‑network care is generally available but subject to plan terms.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shiel of Virginia: Offers a structured provider network with negotiated rates, and care outside the network may be limited or more costly.
Financial Protection
MediShare: Because MediShare is not an insurance product, there is no contractual guarantee that costs will be paid. Members rely on the community’s pooled funds.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shiel of Virginia: Insurance contracts guarantee payment of covered services as outlined in plan documents, backed by regulatory oversight and financial solvency standards.
Who Should Consider MediShare?
Individuals and Families Seeking Lower Monthly Costs
If your primary goal is to manage healthcare costs and you are comfortable with a community‑sharing model, MediShare can be an attractive option. Many participants enjoy lower monthly share amounts compared to traditional premiums.
Those Who Value Choice and Flexibility
MediShare’s flexible provider options may suit individuals who don’t want to be restricted to a rigid network of doctors and hospitals. Members can choose where to seek care and often negotiate rates directly.
Faith‑Oriented Individuals
Because MediShare emphasizes community and shared values, it has particular appeal to members of faith communities who appreciate a values‑based approach to healthcare.
Individuals in Good Health
If you and your family are generally healthy and have limited ongoing medical needs, MediShare’s cost‑sharing model may provide sufficient coverage while keeping costs manageable.
How to Get Started with MediShare
Step 1: Explore Plan Options
Start by reviewing the MediShare plan options available to you. Consider factors like monthly share amounts, annual household portions, eligible services, and provider networks.
Step 2: Compare with Traditional Insurance
Evaluate how MediShare compares with traditional plans such as those from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shiel of Virginia, especially if you have specific coverage needs or anticipate significant medical care in the year ahead.
Step 3: Apply Online
Once you’ve selected a plan that fits your needs, complete an application through our secure online process. You’ll provide information about household members and select your desired start date.
Step 4: Begin Sharing
After enrollment, you’ll begin contributing your monthly share amount and accessing care according to your plan’s guidelines. Be sure to familiarize yourself with how to submit eligible medical needs for sharing.
MediShare Member Responsibilities
Being a part of a MediShare community means understanding your role in the process. Members are responsible for:
- Paying their monthly share amounts on time
- Meeting their annual household portion before sharing begins
- Submitting eligible medical needs with appropriate documentation
- Following plan guidelines for preventive care and wellness
Staying informed about plan terms and proactively managing your health are key to maximizing the benefits of MediShare plans.
MediShare and Preventive Care
MediShare encourages preventive care and wellness. While specific coverage for preventive services may vary by plan, many members find that routine screenings, annual check‑ups, and healthy lifestyle choices help reduce their need for major medical care — and support the overall health of the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between MediShare and traditional health insurance?
MediShare is a healthcare cost‑sharing ministry where members contribute to a shared pool to help pay eligible medical needs. Traditional health insurance, like plans from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shiel of Virginia, involves regulated insurance contracts with premiums, copays, and coverage guarantees.
Can I choose my own doctor with MediShare?
Yes, MediShare allows you to choose your own healthcare providers. However, using participating providers with negotiated discounts can help lower your out‑of‑pocket costs.
Are pre‑existing conditions covered by MediShare?
Coverage for pre‑existing conditions depends on the specific MediShare plan you choose. Some plans may include waiting periods or limitations, so it’s important to review plan documents carefully.
Does MediShare cover preventive care?
MediShare encourages preventive care, but coverage for specific preventive services depends on the plan details. Many members find preventive care affordable and beneficial to their overall health.
How do I submit medical expenses for sharing?
Once you receive care, you submit your medical bills and supporting documentation to MediShare for review. Eligible needs are then processed and shared within the community.
What happens if my medical need isn’t approved for sharing?
If a medical need does not meet the plan’s eligibility requirements, it will not be shared. Members are responsible for understanding plan guidelines and submitting complete documentation to support their requests.
Is MediShare accepted everywhere?
MediShare is not traditional insurance, so acceptance depends on the provider’s willingness to bill MediShare. Most providers accept payment directly from members, and MediShare works with many providers for discounts.
How does MediShare handle emergencies?
Emergency care is typically eligible for sharing if it meets plan criteria. As with all medical needs, members must follow plan guidelines and document the emergency appropriately.
Can I use MediShare if I travel outside my home state?
Yes, you can use MediShare nationwide. Because it’s not restricted to specific state networks, you can seek care anywhere in the United States. However, always check with your plan to verify sharing terms for out‑of‑state care.
Are children covered under MediShare?
Yes, families can include their children in MediShare plans. Household share amounts may vary based on family size and plan selection.