The Healthshare I Chose and Why I Love It

I’ve been talking about healthshares for months, and one question keeps coming up: which one did I choose? Today I’m finally sharing the answer. If you’ve read my first blog, you know I went through the wringer with mounting medical debt, losing my job, and feeling completely abandoned by the system that was supposed to protect me. Every bill was a reminder of stress, and every phone call brought anxiety. I felt stuck, overwhelmed, and desperate for a better way. Finding a healthshare changed everything for me and my kids, and the one I joined is Zion HealthShare. I didn’t want to rush this post until I truly understood how it works in real life. Now that I’ve been a member for a while, I feel confident sharing my experience.

I did a deep dive on everything Zion HealthShare offers so I could answer all your questions. I looked at what treatments and services are eligible for sharing, the limits, preventive care, maternity, what isn’t shared, and even the Additional Giving fund and End of Life Assistance. I wanted to see the full picture so you can make an informed decision if a healthshare is right for you. I promise it sounds more complicated than it is. After going through all the details, it actually made me feel empowered instead of overwhelmed.

I’ll never forget sitting at my kitchen table with another ER bill in my hands and realizing there had to be a better way. That moment was the push I needed to start searching for something outside traditional insurance, and it’s what led me to Zion HealthShare.

When I compared options, Zion stood out to me. I appreciated that it had no religious requirements, no lifetime limits, and clear guidelines without hidden conditions. It felt like a healthshare designed for real life, not just paperwork. That sense of transparency gave me confidence.

What Is Zion HealthShare

Zion HealthShare is a nonprofit medical cost-sharing community where members help each other pay for major medical needs. Members contribute a monthly amount into a community fund, and when someone has an eligible medical expense, the community shares the cost. It is not insurance and there are no networks, meaning you can go to the provider of your choice.

For example, if Sarah in Texas has surgery, and John in Utah has an ER visit, the same community fund supports them both. That’s the beauty of sharing, it connects strangers into a family that has each other’s backs.

Why Zion HealthShare Beats Insurance in 2026

Insurance in 2026 is only getting more expensive. Premiums are climbing, networks limit your choices, and claims can take forever to process. You might pay thousands for a plan that does not cover hardly anything.

Health sharing really changed the game for me personally. Zion HealthShare is not insurance. There are no networks controlling who you see, no premiums skyrocketing every year, and no fine print hiding surprises. With Zion, your monthly contribution is often just a few hundred dollars, going straight to the needs of other members. When someone has an eligible medical need, the community shares the cost. You choose your provider, can negotiate self-pay discounts, and submit your bills for sharing.

This gave me a sense of control I had not experienced in years. It felt empowering to know exactly where my money was going, without the uncertainty of premiums and deductibles that kept changing.

Zion HealthShare gives clarity and control. You know what is shareable, understand the limits, and get support from a community that genuinely wants to help. It is a different way to protect your family, save money, and feel supported instead of stressed when medical needs arise. I can honestly say, after joining, I finally felt like I had a safety net, and one that actually makes sense and doesn’t leave me buried in fine print.

To put it in perspective, I was quoted $1,100 a month for a high-deductible plan. My Zion contribution? Less than half of that. That difference alone gave me room to breathe financially.

One of the first things I noticed about Zion HealthShare is that they use different language than insurance companies. Instead of talking about what is covered, they talk about what is shareable. Instead of claims, they call them sharing requests. I actually love this because it reminds me that this isn’t a business transaction. This is a community of people helping each other when life gets tough. It’s kind of like saying, ‘Hey, I’ve got this medical need. Can we help each other out?’ instead of feeling like you’re begging insurance for money.

When I submit a bill, I am not filing a claim against a company. I am letting the community know about my need so that my fellow members can share the cost. The whole idea shifts the focus from getting something from a corporation to working together with other families to take care of one another.

Membership Guidelines

At first, all the rules and details can feel a little overwhelming but understanding them is key to getting the most out of Zion HealthShare. Trust me, I felt the same way. But once you read through, and shift your thinking, it’s really straightforward.

One of the things that helped me was breaking the guidelines down. For example, the IUA was confusing at first, but I quickly saw how it works in practice.

Who Can Join

Membership is open to people under sixty-five who live in the United States or Puerto Rico. Membership officially begins when your first contribution is received. Staying active requires paying contributions on time and following the community’s principles.

Temporary overseas members (military or missions) can stay active. Only sudden and unexpected emergencies outside the US or Puerto Rico are eligible.
Unfortunately, new members in Washington State cannot join due to current restrictions in the state.

It sounds strict, but it’s really about keeping the community fair and focused on sharing.

Principles of Membership

This community is built on shared values:

Principle	Details
Honesty and ethical living	Avoid illegal drugs and use alcohol responsibly. Submit medical needs truthfully.
Community values	Ethical, health-conscious people share costs while welcoming all faiths.
Understanding Zion is not insurance	The community cannot guarantee payment but exists to help members benevolently.
Personal health commitment	Practice good health, avoid illicit drugs, and limit alcohol use. Households using tobacco pay a $50 monthly surcharge.
Respect and family care	Treat others with respect and take care of your family.
Dispute resolution	Agree to mediation or arbitration if needed.

Membership Tiers

Tier	Who Can Be Part of This Tier
Member Only	Individual only
Member and Spouse or Domestic Partner	Two adults in the same household
Member and Children	One adult plus children under 26
Member and Family	Two adults plus children under 26
Notes	Domestic partners include committed partners even if not legally married. Spouses include legally married partners or civil unions recognized by the state. Children are eligible until age 26, including adopted children, with pre-membership conditions applying. Grandchildren are eligible only with legal custody and living with the grandparent at least nine months per year.

I was surprised how flexible this is for families of all shapes and sizes.

Tobacco Use

Zion HealthShare encourages healthy living while keeping costs fair for the whole community.

Households with tobacco use pay $50 per month
Tobacco includes cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, vape, hookah, and smoked cannabis
Staying tobacco-free for 12 months with documentation removes the surcharge

The tobacco surcharge encourages healthy living and helps keep costs lower for the whole community.

Monthly Contributions

Monthly contributions keep our member community strong and ready to share in times of need.

Direct members send contributions straight to Zion HealthShare
Essential members have contributions deducted through an employer or sponsoring organization
Contributions must be received within 30 days of the due date to remain active
Missed contributions make the membership inactive and medical needs during that time ineligible

For me, paying my monthly contribution feels like an investment in a community safety net rather than a monthly bill with no clear return.

Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA)

The Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA) is the amount a member pays per medical need before the community begins sharing the costs. Here’s a few more helpful details:

Choose your IUA at joining: $1,000, $2,500, $5,000
Maximum of three IUAs per household per 12 months (after that, sharing begins as soon as expenses are over $500, no need to submit another IUA)
Maternity has standard IUA of $2,500 or $5,000
IUA can be changed once a year with a 60-day waiting period (except accidents)

One of the first things I noticed was the IUA. That is the part I pay before the community starts sharing. I chose $2,500 because it balanced affordability and peace of mind for me. I love knowing that it does not reset on January 1 like insurance, but it lasts the life of the sharing request. That gave me real comfort because I did not have to worry about starting over every year.

Submitting a request is straightforward and designed to give you peace of mind when medical needs arise.

Requests submitted per member per medical need
Includes preventive visits, maternity, accidents, or significant medical incidents
Bills must come from licensed providers and be submitted through Member Portal within six months
Original itemized bills and supporting documentation required
Sharing available only after meeting IUA

*I did this for the first time with an ER visit, and it was way less stressful than I expected. The portal is great and helps you easily submit your request. The whole process was said and done in less than 3 weeks! So much better than insurance and waiting months to find out your claim is denied.

Services Included Without Meeting an IUA

Service	Details
Telemedicine Visits	Unlimited 24/7 virtual primary care, mental health support, care coordination via Primestin Care
Preventive Sharing	Annual provider visits and other approved preventive services
Zion RxShare	Discounted prescriptions delivered via Rx Valet

Preventive Services

Service	Details
Annual provider visit	Up to $175 per member per year
Mammogram	Up to $600 per year
Colorectal screenings	According to recommended schedule
Well child visits and immunizations	According to age-specific guidelines

For me, this means I can take my kids to yearly checkups without worrying about whether it will eat up my contribution. That freedom has been priceless.

Eligible Expenses

These are the types of care Zion HealthShare members typically share together.

Hospitalizations, surgeries, emergency room visits, specialist care
Maternity after waiting period, cancer treatment, dialysis, emergency care

Ineligible Expenses

These expenses fall outside the sharing guidelines and aren’t eligible for sharing.

Elective cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, experimental procedures
Maternity for pregnancies existing before membership
Genetic testing for non-diagnostic purposes, weight reduction programs, aromatherapy

What If You Have a Need Outside Guidelines

Sometimes life doesn’t fit neatly in the box. That’s why Zion HealthShare offers the Additional Giving Fund.

- Members can apply to the Additional Giving Fund after three months of active membership
- Fund assists with needs not normally eligible for sharing
- Requests reviewed case by case by the Additional Giving Committee

Residency Requirements

Membership comes with a commitment to your community and living within certain areas.

- Members must maintain a permanent address in the United States or Puerto Rico
- Costs outside these areas are shared only for emergencies
- Long-term international plans may require special arrangements

Paying at the Time of Service

Zion HealthShare is not insurance, it is a member community that shares costs differently. Here is what to expect

Zion HealthShare is not insurance
Members should inform providers they are uninsured, self-pay patients
Enables self-pay discounts and keeps costs low
Itemized bills and receipts are required to request sharing
Medical Advocacy team can assist for prepayment arrangements

Requesting Discounts

Getting the best cost possible is part of being an empowered member.

- Members may negotiate discounts with providers before, during, or after treatment
- Present as a self-pay patient and communicate with Zion HealthShare promptly

Other Coverage

Type	How It Works With Zion
Insurance or group plan	Primary coverage pays first; Zion shares remaining eligible costs
Government assistance	Primary coverage pays first; Zion shares remaining eligible costs
Legal cases	Zion waits until case resolution before sharing remaining expenses

- Full disclosure of all coverage is required for eligibility

Appeals Process

If you ever need to appeal a sharing decision, Zion HealthShare has a process in place to make sure your case is reviewed fairly.

- Appeals accepted only if membership is active
- Committee includes at least one board member and medical professionals
- Final decision is binding
- Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of sharing determination by the member directly
- Supporting documents and medical evidence may be requested

Turning 65

Membership with Zion HealthShare continues until age 65, with a few important timelines to keep in mind as you approach that milestone.

- Membership ends at 65
- Requests for services before membership ends must be submitted within 30 days
- Itemized bills must be submitted within six months

Medical Records Addendums

Only official addendums to your medical records are considered when reviewing sharing requests.

- Only official addendums from provider considered
- Must include signature, date, description of changes, reason for change

Provider Connections

To keep the sharing process fair and transparent, expenses from providers who have personal, business, or financial connections to the member are not eligible for sharing.

Maximum Shareable Amount

With Zion HealthShare, there is no annual or lifetime maximum. Members can feel confident knowing the community does not place a cap on how much can be shared.

Handling Pre-Membership Medical Conditions

Year	Sharing Limit
1	Waiting period, no sharing
2	Up to $25,000 per request
3	Up to $50,000 per request
4+	Up to $125,000 per 12-month period

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are not considered pre-membership if managed and no hospitalization in the previous 12 months

Eligible Expenses Examples

Eligible Expenses

Expense	Limit/Details
Alcohol and drug abuse treatment	Up to $3,000 per member
Ambulance transport	Air or ground to nearest appropriate facility
Arthritis treatment	Subject to pre-membership phase-in
Audiological treatment	Eligible
Automobile accidents	Shared after other insurance pays
Basal and squamous cell cancer	Each location requires own request and IUA
Cataract surgery	One-year wait; multiple procedures within three months may be grouped
Congenital conditions	Shareable if part of eligible maternity request
Contraception	Shared only if used for medical purposes
Cosmetic surgery	Shared only for disfigurement from eligible injury or illness
Degenerative conditions	Subject to pre-membership phase-in
Dilation and curettage	Shared if medically necessary
Durable medical equipment	Shareable if prescribed, 120-day limit per need
Emergency visits	Shared; repeat visits $500 responsibility
Genetic mutations and testing	Shareable under certain conditions
Home healthcare	Up to 30 days if prescribed
Hospice care	90-day periods with terminal illness certification
Hyperbaric therapy	Up to 35 outpatient sessions
Injections	Shared up to $5,000; hormone therapy up to $3,000
International treatment	Emergency or acute care only
Joint replacement	Subject to pre-membership limitations
Laboratory tests and checkups	Shareable if prescribed
Long-term care and skilled nursing	Shareable for recovery from eligible illness or injury
Medical supplies	Over $100, up to $500 per need
Miscarriage-related care	Shareable if conception after membership start
Nutritionists	Up to two visits per eligible request if prescribed
Occupational therapy	Up to 35 sessions and $7,500 per request
Organ transplants	Subject to pre-membership limits
Osteoporosis treatment	Subject to pre-membership phase-in
Prescriptions	Shareable if related to eligible request and approved
Self-referrals	Must be reviewed and approved
Speech therapy	Up to 35 visits and $3,000 per condition if illness/injury-related
Sports injuries	Recreational only, not professional
Suicide or attempted suicide	Up to $25,000 for adolescents after one year of membership

Therapeutic Treatments and Special Cases

Therapeutic treatments can be shared with the Zion HealthShare community, as long as they fit within certain limits and are provided by licensed professionals.

Maximum $7,500 or 35 treatments per medical need
Includes alternative care: acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, dry needling, ozone, prolotherapy
Also chiropractic, massage, physical therapy if provided by licensed professionals
Switching from alternative to traditional care may limit sharing

Tobacco Use Over 50

If you’re over 50 and use tobacco, there are sharing limits for some serious conditions.

Sharing limited to $50,000 per medical need for stroke, cancer, heart conditions, and COPD

Varicose Veins

Varicose vein care can be shared, but it’s treated as a pre-membership condition.

Evaluation and treatment may be shared under pre-membership limits

Weight Loss Assistance

Weight loss assistance is usually considered a pre-membership medical condition, but there are times when it can still be shared.

Considered pre-membership medical condition
If prescribed and approved, up to $3,000 per sharing request

Non-Shared Expenses

There are some expenses that Zion HealthShare members should know are not eligible for sharing. These fall outside the community’s guidelines and are important to plan for separately.

Abortion, ADHD/SPD treatments, allergy testing and meds, breast implant removal, dental, diabetic supplies, fees/interest, fertility treatments, genetic screenings, hearing aids, criminal injuries, leaving care against medical advice, stable chronic conditions, mental health meds or therapy, sleep apnea equipment, elective sterilization, subscriptions, surrogate pregnancy, TMJ evaluation/treatment, Lasik/lens implants, vitamins/supplements

Preventive Services

Preventive services are encouraged and supported in the Zion HealthShare community, with specific screenings and visits eligible for sharing.

Annual provider visits up to $175
Cervical cancer screenings during annual visit
Prostate cancer screenings after 50 during annual visit
Colorectal screenings starting age 45
Mammograms starting age 40
Youth immunizations per CDC schedule
Well-child visits up to $175 each
Preventive sharing not subject to IUA

The best part? These visits don’t even touch your IUA. I can take my kids for their yearly checkups without worrying.

Eligible Services

Service	What is Eligible for Sharing
Prenatal, delivery, postpartum	Shared after waiting period and billing rules met
Standard ultrasounds	Up to three included
Routine lab work and immunizations	RSV and Tdap included
Labor and delivery	Hospitals, birthing centers, home births if requirements met
Complications for mother	Included
Newborn needs	Separate sharing requests and IUAs required
Multiple births or complications	Each newborn requires separate request and IUA

Excluded Pregnancy Services

Some pregnancy-related services are not eligible for sharing through Zion HealthShare. These are important to plan for on your own.

3D/4D ultrasounds, prenatal immunizations, chiropractic adjustments for breech, genetic testing (amniocentesis/NIPT), doula, birthing tubs, placenta encapsulation, circumcision, breast pumps, lactation, postpartum counseling

Midwife Services

Midwife services are generally eligible for sharing within the Zion HealthShare community.

Eligible up to $7,000
Home births use household IUA
Hospital intervention or physician co-management applies maternity IUA

IVF

In vitro fertilization is not eligible for sharing.

Not eligible
Conception date = embryo implantation date

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is treated as a complication of pregnancy, with some limits on what can be shared.

Treated as pregnancy complication
Medications may be shared, nutritionists and supplies not shared

Knowing what is shareable before my pregnancy gave me peace of mind during an already emotional time.

Additional Giving Fund

The Additional Giving Fund is a beautiful part of the Zion HealthShare community. It’s supported by voluntary contributions and is meant to help when unexpected needs arise that fall outside the usual sharing guidelines.

Funded by voluntary contributions
Assists with ineligible medical expenses
Reviewed case by case by Additional Giving Committee
Available after three months of active membership

I haven’t needed it yet, but it’s nice to know there’s an option for things outside the usual guidelines.

End of Life Assistance

End of Life Assistance is a way the Zion HealthShare community cares for families in their hardest moments.

$10,000 may be provided to surviving family after one year of uninterrupted membership
Death certificate required within 60 days
Remaining eligible expenses must be submitted within 90 days

Withdrawing From Membership

Members have the freedom to withdraw from Zion HealthShare if needed, but there are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

Withdraw fully or partially anytime
Written request to Member Support Admin at least 24 hours before next billing cycle
Withdrawals cannot be backdated
Only primary member may remove others
Open/future sharing requests not eligible unless reinstated within 30 days
Employer/group plan members must contact administrator

FAQs

Question	Answer
What is an IUA	Amount you pay before sharing per medical need
Are there annual or lifetime sharing limits	No
How are pre-existing conditions handled	Phase-in after waiting period
Are preventive services included	Yes, with limits
What about mental health and maternity	Inpatient mental health may have limits; maternity shared after waiting period if member at conception
How is telemedicine included	Unlimited virtual visits included at no additional cost

How To Join

Becoming part of the Zion HealthShare community is simple and can be done in just a few steps.

Go to Zion HealthShare website
Select membership type
Choose IUA
Submit first contribution
Membership active once payment processed

Zion HealthShare and Companies, Affiliates, and Direct Primary Care

Zion HealthShare is not just for individuals. It works for workplaces, organizations, and care providers that want to help people access affordable healthcare.

Working With Companies

Some employers offer Zion HealthShare memberships to their employees. This gives teams access to a community that shares medical costs without the high premiums of traditional insurance. Employees can pick their providers freely, negotiate self-pay discounts, and know exactly how their monthly contribution is helping them and others.

Partnering With Affiliates

Affiliates like local healthcare providers, wellness organizations, and marketing partners make it easier for people to join Zion HealthShare. These partnerships connect more families to a healthcare model that puts control, clarity, and community first. It is about making healthcare simple and accessible while keeping the power in your hands.

Combining With Direct Primary Care

When you pair Zion HealthShare with Direct Primary Care, you get the best of both worlds. DPC gives unlimited primary care access for a predictable monthly fee without copays or insurance hassle. Zion HealthShare steps in for bigger medical costs such as surgeries or hospitalizations. Together, they create a seamless, cost-effective healthcare solution that actually works for busy families.

My Honest Take

Joining Zion HealthShare gave me peace of mind and financial breathing room. I am no longer afraid to take my kids to the doctor or check my mailbox. I finally feel like part of a community that cares. If you are tired of the traditional system leaving you broke and exhausted, this is worth looking into. Honestly, if you’re curious, just spend a few minutes on their site. Read the guidelines, it’s way more transparent than anything I’ve dealt with before.

If you’ve been carrying the weight of medical bills or dreading your next insurance premium, maybe it’s time to give yourself permission to try something new. Zion HealthShare gave me hope again; maybe it could do the same for you.

The Healthshare I Chose and Why I Love It

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