When comparing health share companies, it is easy to get discouraged by the amount of information that is out there. Each health share claims to be the best, and the structure and the pricing is often similar enough that it’s hard to know where to get the best bang for your buck.
We thought it would be helpful to give you our picks for the top three health shares in 2023.
1. Zion HealthShare
Zion HealthShare earned its place as our number one pick for good reason. Members consistently rave about the quality of care. They may be one of the younger health shares, but they have fantastic reviews.
Zion HealthShare is a Utah-based HealthShare founded in 2019. They do not have any religious requirements to become a member, instead prospective members must attest to their principles of membership, which include committing to a healthy lifestyle and treating others with respect. Reviews show they take each individual need into consideration, even when the need isn’t straightforward. Memberships are affordable and straightforward.
Zion HealthShare will share one annual provider visit—without requiring an IUA—and other preventive care services like an annual mammogram (for members over age 40) and standard youth immunizations. Additionally, Zion HealthShare will share some expenses related to pre-existing conditions (or what they call pre-membership medical conditions). Although you will wait for a year before you can share pre-existing conditions, you can start sharing some in the second year, and by the fourth year, you can share up to $125,000 for costs relating to your pre-existing conditions.
Here is a link to Zion HealthShare’s member guidelines.
2. Altrua HealthShare
One of the most impressive things we found while researching Altrua was how readily available much of the information was. They offer a comprehensive breakdown answering just about any question you may have.
Additionally, Altrua has an interesting approach to helping members with routine care. They offer pooled office visits (usually 6 per member), that may be shared with other members in the same household. If you live in a household with a shared membership, you may pool your visits and make them available for whoever needs them most.
Altrua is a Texas-based Christian health share that has a high member satisfaction rating (4.2/5 on Google). Altrua has great reviews, low prices, and generous sharing for eligible expenses. There are, however, a few reasons they did not make the top of the list. First, the most comprehensive membership is only available if you choose to pay for the Emerald or Diamond plan. Second, Altrua’s religious requirements for membership includes a statement of beliefs that must be renewed annually. Though some may view this as a deterrent, other prospective members may desire a religious health share.
Read Altrua’s member guidelines here.
Samaritan Ministries
Samaritan Ministries is our third pick for 2023, and it is one of the top choices for anyone looking for a Christian health share. Samaritan really puts forth an effort to be true to its roots and encourage the faith of their members.
Samaritan makes it on this list because they are one of the longest-running health shares in the industry, and they have great member reviews (4.7/5 on Google). They are a member of the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries and are one of the few ministries recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. They have a reputation worthy of consideration by anyone shopping for a membership.
There are some potential drawbacks with Samaritan. For example, their member requirements sharing guidelines are quite strict, and they do not offer preventive sharing.
Learn more about Samaritan here.
Conclusion
Each health share offers something that may make them the right pick for you. Doing your research will help you make the best choice for you and your family.
