Health Share Plans: Pros, Cons & How They Really Work in Boise

But they also come with fine print that people frequently misunderstand.

This guide explains, in plain English, how health share plans actually work, and when Chris Antrim sees them make sense for Idaho residents.

What Is a Health Share Plan?

A health share plan (or health care sharing ministry/group) is:

A group of people who agree to share each other’s medical expenses according to set guidelines.

They’re usually:

• Faith-based or community-based
• Nonprofit organizations
• Operating outside of traditional insurance regulation

They’re not:

• Insurance companies
• Subject to the same ACA requirements
• Legally obligated to pay claims

H2: How Health Share Plans Work – Step-by-Step

You Join a Community

Members typically agree to:

• Live by certain lifestyle standards
• Follow some faith or ethical guidelines
• Pay a monthly “share” amount

You Choose a Sharing Level

This functions like a deductible. It may be called:

• Individual Sharing Amount (ISA)
  
• Personal Responsibility
  
• Annual Unshared Amount

Example: You choose a $5,000 ISA. You’re responsible for the first $5,000 of eligible costs per year or per incident, depending on the program.

H3: 3. You See a Doctor in Boise or Anywhere Nationwide

Most Health Share programs don’t use networks, so you can go to:

• St. Luke’s
• St. Alphonsus
• Urgent care in Meridian or Nampa
• Out-of-state specialists

Bills Are Submitted to the Health Share

You or the provider send the bill to the Health Share organization. They:

• Check if the treatment is eligible
• Confirm your ISA status
• Decide how much other members will share

Other Members Help Pay Your Bill

Once your ISA is met and the need is eligible, other members’ monthly contributions help cover your costs.

The Pros of Health Share Plans

Lower Monthly Cost

This is the #1 reason Boise households look at Health Share options.

• Premiums can be 30–60% lower than ACA plans, especially if you don’t get subsidies.

Provider Flexibility

With no network restrictions, members often enjoy:

• Freedom to see any doctor or hospital
• Easier access while traveling
  Flexibility for second opinions

Community and Faith Alignment

For many Christian families in the Treasure Valley, it matters that their dollars support:

• Like-minded members
• Shared values
• Faith-based stewardship

H2: The Cons and Risks of Health Share Plans

Not Insurance – No Guarantees

This is critical.

• Health Shares have guidelines, not contracts.
• They are not legally required to pay any particular bill.
• There is no state insurance department backing you up if there’s a dispute.

Pre-Existing Condition Limits

Common policies:

• 12–24 month waiting periods
• Graduated sharing over time
• Some conditions never fully eligible

If a Boise resident has major pre-existing needs, Chris generally steers them toward ACA coverage instead.

Gaps in Coverage

Some Health Shares limit or exclude:

• Mental health care
• Preventive care
• Certain elective surgeries
• Maternity if you join after conception

Who Health Share Plans Fit Best in Boise

In Idaho, Health Share plans often fit:

• Healthy families with minimal ongoing care
  Self-employed people who make too much for ACA subsidies
  
• Early retirees waiting for Medicare
  
• Christian households comfortable with faith-based guidelines

These households are often:

• Paying high premiums now
• Mainly worried about catastrophic events
• Willing to read the guidelines and accept some risk

Who Probably Should Avoid Health Share Plans

Health Share plans may not be a good fit if you:

• Have multiple chronic conditions
• Are on expensive brand-name prescriptions
• Need predictable, comprehensive coverage
• Want guaranteed mental health and preventive benefits
• Dislike reading fine print or dealing with billing yourself

In these cases, traditional insurance is usually safer.

Real Boise Example – Health Share vs Insurance

Imagine:

• Boise family of four
• Mostly healthy
• No major pre-existing conditions

ACA Plan Example:

• Premium: ~$1,300–$1,500/month
• Deductible: $6,000–$8,000
• OOP Max: ~$16,000

Health Share Example:

• Monthly share: ~$700–$900
• ISA: $5,000 or $10,000
• Eligible needs shared above ISA

Result: Health Share may cut the monthly cost roughly in half, but the family must be comfortable with guidelines, exclusions, and lack of legal guarantees.

Boise-Focused FAQs

• Are Health Share plans legal in Idaho?
• Yes. Idaho recognizes Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs). They operate differently than insurance, but they’re legal.
• Will St. Luke’s or St. Alphonsus accept Health Share members?
• Yes. Providers generally treat it as self-pay and bill accordingly. The Health Share then reviews and shares eligible bills.
• Can I switch back to ACA if I don’t like Health Sharing?
• Yes, but you may need to wait for open enrollment or a qualifying life event.

Talk It Through With a Local Expert

Health Share plans can be powerful tools when used correctly—but they’re not plug-and-play.

Boise families often ask Chris Antrim to:

• Explain Health Share guidelines in plain English
  
• Compare quoting from multiple sharing programs vs ACA plans
  
• Run “what if” scenarios (surgery, hospital stay, long illness)
  Help identify whether the savings truly justify the risk
  

📞 Call Chris Antrim Insurance: 208-991-7540

 🌐 goidahoinsurance.com