Is Health Sharing Right for You?

Choosing any healthcare option is a big decision, and we want to make sure you feel good about yours. Universal HealthShare works well for a lot of people and we want to be upfront about who that is, so you can decide with confidence. Here is a straightforward way to think it through.

It Is Probably a Good Fit If…

• You are generally healthy. Universal HealthShare is designed to help with unexpected medical needs, not the ongoing management of active conditions. If you are generally healthy and do not have significant untreated health issues, you are likely in good shape. Note that some commonly managed conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, are eligible for sharing when medically managed.
• You are self-employed, a gig worker, freelancer, or small business owner. Without access to employer group coverage, people in these situations often find Universal HealthShare to be one of the more practical options available.
• You do not qualify for meaningful government subsidy programs. For people who do not qualify for ACA marketplace subsidies, or whose subsidy is limited, the monthly cost difference between a sharing program and other options can be significant.
• You want flexibility in who you see. With Universal HealthShare, your primary care doctor is in-network regardless of whether they participate in the PHCS Physician & Ancillary Network. You can also use any accredited hospital in the continental U.S. and see out-of-network specialists.
• You are comfortable paying a provider and submitting for sharing when needed. In-network providers can often bill UHF directly, but out-of-network situations may require you to pay first. Members who are financially positioned for that process tend to have a smoother experience.
• UHF’s Shared Faith and Beliefs statement aligns with your values. Membership involves agreeing to a shared statement of faith and beliefs. Members who are aligned with those values find that part of what makes the community meaningful.

It May Not Be the Right Fit If…

• You have significant active pre-existing conditions. UHS programs have waiting periods before sharing becomes available for pre-existing conditions. The timelines differ between programs. If you require ongoing treatment for a serious condition, factor those waiting periods carefully into your decision.
• You qualify for meaningful government subsidies. If your income qualifies you for significant ACA marketplace subsidies, that is a real financial factor to weigh. It is worth running the numbers with someone who knows both options.
• Dental, vision, or mental health coverage are significant needs. Core Universal HealthShare programs do not include dental, vision, or comprehensive mental health coverage. The Health Tools add-on provides discounts on dental and vision and access to virtual mental health counseling, but if those services are a major part of your healthcare picture, weigh that in.
• You live in a state where UHS is not available. Currently, Universal HealthShare is not available in Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington State, or certain U.S. territories.

A Few Honest Questions to Ask Yourself
Before making any decision, sit with these:

• How often do I realistically use healthcare in a typical year?
• Do I have any active conditions that require ongoing treatment?
• Would I be comfortable paying a provider upfront in some situations?
• Do UHF’s values and beliefs align with how I live?
• Have I looked at what subsidy programs, if any, I might qualify for?

If your answers point toward health sharing being a reasonable fit, Universal HealthShare is worth a conversation. If they reveal gaps, particularly around pre-existing conditions or the need for more comprehensive coverage, that is useful information too.

We Would Rather You Make the Right Decision

At Universal Health Fellowship, we are not trying to be the right fit for everyone. For those who are, though, UHF can be a great option, and we want to help make sure you feel confident going in.

If you are still working through whether Universal HealthShare makes sense for you, the best next step is a real conversation with a UHF agent. They will walk you through our program options, answer your specific questions, and give you an honest read on whether this is a good match.

→ Ready to talk it through? Call us at (888) 636-7119.