Can’t Afford Health Insurance in Boise? Here’s How HealthShare Plans Work

What a HealthShare is (and isn’t)

• Not insurance: HealthShares do not issue insurance policies or guarantee payments. Instead, members contribute monthly and “share” approved needs.
• Guidelines drive coverage: Each HealthShare publishes a set of eligibility and sharing guidelines—read them carefully.
• No networks (usually): Many HealthShares allow you to see any provider, though they often use PPO pricing tools or pre-negotiation to reduce bills.
• Religious or ethical statements: Some require a statement of beliefs or lifestyle commitments.

Why Boise households consider HealthShares

• Lower monthly cost: Many families see 30–50% lower monthly contributions vs ACA full-price.
• Simplicity: No open enrollment windows; you can often join year-round.
• Provider choice: Flexibility to see your preferred doctor (confirm they’ll bill self-pay).

What typically gets shared

• Unexpected medical events: Hospitalizations, ER, surgery, specialist care—subject to guidelines and member responsibility amounts.
• Everyday care: Office visits, labs, imaging—often shared after you meet an “Initial Unshareable Amount” (IUA) or similar threshold per need.
• Prescriptions: Vary; some HealthShares share maintenance meds on formulary, others rely on discount programs.
• Preventive care: Sometimes limited or with waiting periods—compare closely if you want routine screenings fully covered.

Key trade-offs to understand

• Pre-existing conditions: Waiting periods or phase-ins are common.
• No federal protections: Because it’s not insurance, ACA mandates (like essential health benefits) don’t apply.
• Claims certainty: Sharing is based on guidelines and available member funds.
• Administration: You (or we) handle price negotiation and bill submission more actively.

Impact Health Sharing vs One Health Share (high-level)

• Impact Health Sharing: Known for transparent member responsibility amounts, competitive monthly contributions, and helpful bill-negotiation processes. Good generalist option for families and self-employed in Boise.
• One Health Share: Offers tiered member responsibility choices; attractive for households seeking a balance between monthly contribution and catastrophic protection. (We’ll compare both side-by-side for your situation.)

Cost snapshot methodology

Instead of listing teaser rates, we run a custom Boise cost snapshot with:

• Ages of all household members
• Expected routine use (visits, meds)
• Catastrophic modeling (e.g., ER + outpatient surgery)
• Your preferred doctors and hospitals

This reveals whether a HealthShare saves money after we factor likely out-of-pocket responsibilities.

Who is a good fit?

• No or limited ACA subsidies and monthly budget pressure
• Generally healthy with desire for catastrophic protection
• Comfort with guidelines and non-insurance model
• Willing to self-advocate (we help with billing and negotiation)

Who should consider ACA instead?

• You need guaranteed coverage for pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits
• You take high-cost brand-name meds that a HealthShare may not share
• You qualify for significant ACA subsidies (often makes Marketplace cheaper)

Getting started in Boise

1. Book a 15-minute call.
2. We check your doctors, expected care, and run ACA vs Impact vs One Health Share comparisons.
3. You pick a start date—often within days.

Call to Action

Curious if a HealthShare would actually save you money? Text 425-761-0555 or visit HealthShare Options in Boise. I’ll send an honest, side-by-side comparison with your real numbers.

FAQs

• Is a HealthShare insurance?
• No. It’s a cost-sharing membership with published guidelines.
• Can I use St. Luke’s or St. Alphonsus?
• Typically yes as self-pay; we verify and help negotiate.
• What about prescriptions
• Varies by program; we’ll check your meds specifically.
• When can I start?
• Often any month; no open enrollment window.