Look, we probably all know that there are serious challenges with the American healthcare system. Many Americans don’t have access to traditional health insurance, and those who do still find that the costs can be astronomical. And even with traditional health insurance, you can still find that medical costs are higher than ever.
Enter a great option. Health shares.
Specifically, Altrua HealthShare.
What is a health share? A health share is a Health Care Sharing Ministry (HCSM), a ministry organized as a non-profit 501(c)3. In the case of Altrua HealthShare, it’s a membership group where like-minded, health-conscious individuals contribute monthly to a membership escrow account. Eligible medical needs submitted by health share members are paid from that escrow account.
Altrua HealthShare can be a fantastic option for those looking for alternatives to traditional healthcare options. However, it’s important to educate yourself on the differences between traditional insurance and health shares.
Myth Number 1: A health share is or is ‘just like’ traditional insurance.
Answer: FALSE. Altrua HealthShare is NOT insurance and Altrua Ministries is not an insurance company. The Membership is a health care sharing ministry that facilitates member-to-member sharing. Members are expected to maintain healthy lifestyles in an effort to keep overall medical expenses lower. Additionally, Members are required to read thoroughly through the Membership Guidelines associated with their level of membership, agree to the Statement of Standards, and cooperate with the various processes for submitting medical needs.
Myth Number 2: All health shares work the same way.
Answer: FALSE. While all valid health shares should be recognized 501(c)3 non-profit ministries, Altrua HealthShare is unique in that it utilizes a member escrow account for member-to-member sharing. Ideally, this means greater convenience for its Members. Additionally, Altrua HealthShare offers a variety of membership levels, which allows Members to better customize what they need for budget, season of life, and various features.
Myth Number 3: At Altrua HealthShare, all medical expenses are shared in.
Answer: FALSE. The actual answer? All eligible medical needs are shared in. Medical needs that are found to have come from a violation of the Statement of Standards are not shared in. Additionally, there are pre-existing conditions which have sharing wait periods and sharing limits. Also, there are different specifics for the various memberships available. It’s important to read and understand your membership guidelines for a better understanding of sharing in medical needs.
Myth Number 4: A health share is the right fit for everyone.
Answer: FALSE. While Altrua HealthShare has been the right fit for many people for over 25 years, and while Altrua HealthShare is honored to serve over 25,000 Members, there are several factors that go into deciding if it is the right fit for you. That’s why Altrua HealthShare offers a 30-day trial experience. If you decide that Altrua HealthShare is not the right fit for you and your family, your first month’s contribution will be reimbursed.
Ready for some facts about Altrua HealthShare?
FACT: You could possibly save around 50% on your medical costs.
FACT: Altrua HealthShare has been a health care sharing ministry for over 25 years and currently serves over 25,000 Members.
FACT: Altrua Ministries has helped people across the country in times of fire, hurricanes, and other weather and crisis events.
FACT: Altrua HealthShare now offers Altrua SmileShare, the country’s first dental sharing membership. It’s just one more example of the innovative approaches Altrua HealthShare is bringing to the health share space.
If you’re ready to learn more about Altrua HealthShare and how it could be the right fit for you, click here to learn more! If you’re already a Member of Altrua HealthShare, we’d love to hear more about your experience. Altrua HealthShare, where we care for one another.
Julie Lyles Carr is a best-selling author, podcaster, and entrepreneur living in Austin, Texas, with her husband Mike Carr. They have eight kids, two unfriendly cats, and an antique dachshund.