Health Share Plans vs Short-Term Insurance in Idaho
Chris Antrim, CLTC - Boise Health & Life Agency • December 3, 2025
Health Share plans and short-term insurance plans are two very different alternatives to traditional ACA insurance. Health Shares offer community-based sharing with nationwide flexibility, while short-term plans are true insurance but with limited benefits and medical underwriting. In Idaho, Chris Antrim helps families compare both when they’re healthy and priced out of ACA plans.
When Idaho residents don’t qualify for ACA subsidies, they often look for:
- Lower monthly costs
- Catastrophic protection
- Simpler healthcare options
Two alternatives usually come up:
- Health Share Plans
- Short-Term Health Insurance
This guide shows exactly how they compare.
What Health Share Plans Are
Quick summary:
- Not insurance
- Voluntary sharing model
- Lower cost
- Flexible provider options
- Pre-existing conditions often limited
- Ideal for healthy people
H2: What Short-Term Health Insurance Is
Short-term plans:
- ARE real insurance
- Use medical underwriting
- Have limited benefits
- Do NOT cover all essential health benefits
- Can deny based on medical history
- Often last 30–364 days
Chris only recommends these carefully, because they’ve got sharp edges.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Health Share | Short Term Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | Not insurance | Real insurance |
| Monthly Cost | Low | Moderate/Low |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | Limited | Often excluded |
| Networks | Usually none | PPO/HMO |
| Prescription Coverage | Limited | Limited |
| Guarantees | None | Contractual |
| Preventive Care | Limited | Limited |
| Duration | Ongoing | Up to ~1 year |
| Best For | Healthy families | Healthy individuals needing temp coverage |
When Health Shares Are the Better Fit
1. For families wanting stable, ongoing protection
- Short-term plans expire. Health Shares continue indefinitely.
2. For those wanting nationwide flexibility
- Short-term networks can be narrow.
3. For those who don't want medical underwriting
- Most Health Shares accept members if guidelines are followed.
When Short-Term Plans Are the Better Fit
1. You want real insurance
- Short-term is contract-based.
2. You need temporary coverage
Example scenarios:
- Gap between jobs
- Waiting for Medicare
- Waiting for open enrollment
3. You’re extremely healthy
- Underwriting rewards low-risk individuals.
H2: Real Boise Examples
Scenario A — Realtor between plans
- Needs 3 months of coverage → Short-term works.
Scenario B — Self-employed family
- Needs year-round protection → Health Share is better.
Scenario C — Person with pre-existing issues
- Neither option is ideal → ACA is safest.
FAQs
- Is a Health Share cheaper than short-term insurance?
- Usually, yes.
- Does short-term insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
- No.
- Can Health Shares deny care?
- They don’t deny — they follow guidelines. If something isn’t eligible, it’s simply not shared.
- Can I switch from either one to ACA?
- Yes, during open enrollment.
Talk to Chris Before Choosing
He helps Boise families compare:
- Costs
- Rules
- Risks
- Best fits for each situation
📞 208-991-7540
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