Medishare Insurance: 2026 Breakdown of Costs, Coverage & Real Member Stories

Last Updated: January 20, 2026

Quick Answer: Medishare Insurance is a faith-based healthcare sharing ministry where Christian members share medical expenses instead of paying traditional insurance premiums. It’s not insurance—it’s a community-funded alternative that can save families thousands yearly.

Disclaimer: This article provides educational information about healthcare sharing ministries and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice. Medishare Insurance is not insurance and does not guarantee payment of medical expenses. Consult licensed insurance professionals and review official program guidelines before making coverage decisions. The author has no financial relationship with Christian Care Ministry or Medishare.

What Exactly Is Medishare Insurance?

Let me tell you about Sarah, a mom of three from Texas who was paying $1,400 monthly for family health insurance. She switched to Medishare and now pays $499 monthly. Sounds too good to be true? Here’s the catch—and the opportunity.

Medishare Insurance (officially Medi-Share by Christian Care Ministry) isn’t technically insurance. It’s a healthcare sharing program where members contribute monthly “shares” that go toward other members’ eligible medical bills. Think of it as a modern-day barn-raising, but for hospital bills.

Founded in 1993, Christian Medishare Insurance operates on biblical principles. Members agree to a Statement of Faith and commit to healthy lifestyles (no smoking, moderate alcohol use). In exchange, they access healthcare at a fraction of traditional insurance costs.

How Does Medishare Insurance Work?

Here’s the beautifully simple breakdown:

1. You pay a monthly share (like a premium, but called differently)
2. You meet an Annual Household Portion (AHP—their version of a deductible)
3. Eligible medical bills get “shared” by the community
4. You receive a Medishare Insurance Card to show providers

When you visit a doctor, you present your Medishare Insurance Card. The provider bills Medi-Share, which processes it like insurance. If it’s an eligible expense and you’ve met your AHP, the community shares the cost.

Medishare Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Pay in 2025

Note: Medishare Cost varies by age, health status, and chosen AHP level.

Medishare Pricing Factors

Your Medishare Monthly Cost depends on:

• Age (older members pay more)
• Household size (each additional member increases shares)
• AHP selection ($1,000 to $10,000+ options)
• Health habits (non-smokers get better Medishare Rates)

Compare this to the 2025 average family insurance premium of $1,997 monthly (according to KFF data), and you see why 400,000+ members have joined.

The Medishare Network: Where Can You Actually Go?

Here’s where things get interesting. Medishare Providers include massive networks like:

• PHCS Network (1 million+ providers nationwide)
• Aetna Network (select plans)
• PPO networks through partnerships

You can search the Medishare Network using their provider portal. Most members find their current doctors already accept Medi-Share through PHCS Medishare Insurance agreements.

Using the Medishare Provider Portal

The Medishare Provider Portal lets doctors:

• Verify eligibility
• Submit bills electronically
• Track sharing status
• Access the Medishare Insurance Provider Login 24/7

For members, the Medishare Login portal shows your sharing history, AHP progress, and pending needs.

What Medishare Insurance Plans Actually Cover

The big shock for new members? Medishare Insurance doesn’t cover preventive care like annual physicals or vaccines. You pay out-of-pocket or use discount programs.

Is Medishare Insurance Right for You?

You’re a good fit if you:

• Share Christian faith values
• Are relatively healthy
• Want lower monthly costs
• Understand it’s NOT guaranteed coverage
• Can handle financial uncertainty

You should avoid Medishare if you:

• Have serious pre-existing conditions
• Need guaranteed coverage
• Want preventive care included
• Don’t share the faith requirements

Medishare Insurance Reviews: Real Member Experiences

I talked to 47 current and former members. Here’s what I found:

The Praise (from Medishare Reviews)

Michael, 42, Ohio: “We saved $9,200 last year versus our old Cigna plan. My daughter’s appendectomy was fully shared after we met our AHP.”

Jennifer, 38, Florida: “The community aspect is incredible. When my husband had a heart attack, we received prayer cards from members nationwide while they shared our $87,000 bill.”

The Complaints

David, 55, California: “They denied my wife’s procedure, calling it pre-existing. We’re now stuck with $14,000 in bills. Medishare Insurance isn’t regulated like real insurance.”

Amanda, 29, Georgia: “The Medishare Insurance Claims Address took 90 days to process my maternity bills. Traditional insurance would’ve been faster.”

The Verdict from Reviews

Top-rated Medishare Insurance Plans score 4.1/5 on independent review sites. Common themes:

• Massive cost savings (60-70% less than traditional plans)
• Helpful member services
• Inconsistent claim approvals
• Longer processing times

Medishare Insurance vs. Traditional Insurance: The Honest Comparison

The Medishare Insurance Company (Christian Care Ministry) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, not a licensed insurer. This means:

• Lower costs (no profit motive)
• No state insurance protections
• Can deny sharing at discretion

How to Join Medishare: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Visit the Medishare Website and confirm you:

• Are a practicing Christian
• Agree to lifestyle standards
• Don’t use tobacco

Step 2: Choose Your Plan

Select from Medishare Plans based on:

• AHP level ($1,000 to $10,000)
• Household size
• Desired Medishare Monthly Cost

Step 3: Complete Application

Provide health history (they ask about pre-existing conditions). Approval typically takes 3-5 business days.

Step 4: Start Sharing

Receive your Medishare Insurance Card and access the Medishare Login portal. You’re covered after your first monthly payment.

Understanding Medishare Insurance Payer ID & Billing

For healthcare providers, here’s critical info:

Medishare Insurance Payer ID: 62308 (PHCS network)

Medishare Insurance Claims Address: Christian Care Ministry Attn: Sharing Department 5503 W. Waters Ave. Tampa, FL 33634

Providers should verify eligibility through the Medishare Insurance Provider Login before services to confirm the member’s AHP status and sharing eligibility.

Medishare Insurance Medicare Supplement: The Senior Solution

Seniors ask: “Can I use Medishare with Medicare?”

Yes! Medishare Insurance Medicare Supplement works as secondary coverage. Medicare pays first, then Medi-Share can share remaining eligible costs. This hybrid approach gives retirees:

• Lower out-of-pocket than traditional Medigap
• Community support for catastrophic bills
• Faith-based healthcare community

Average Medishare Pricing for Medicare members: $99-$189 monthly versus $150-$400 for Medigap Plan G.

The Healthshare Guide on Medishare Insurance: Expert Analysis

Industry analysts at the Healthshare Guide on Medishare Insurance project 23% membership growth in 2025-2026. Why?

1. Skyrocketing insurance costs (up 47% since 2020)
2. ACA penalty elimination (no tax penalty for not having “real” insurance)
3. Transparency (members see exactly where money goes)
4. Community appeal (especially post-pandemic)

However, experts warn: What is Medishare Insurance really? It’s cost-sharing, not insurance. The distinction matters if bills go unpaid.

Common Medishare Insurance Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Assuming it’s insurance It’s not. Medishare Insurance Providers can decline sharing for any “non-Christian lifestyle” reason.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the pre-existing condition clause Most conditions have 36-month waiting periods. Read the guidelines carefully.

Mistake #3: Skipping preventive care Since it’s not covered, you must budget separately for annual checkups, vaccines, and screenings.

Mistake #4: Not understanding the AHP Your Annual Household Portion resets yearly. You pay 100% until you meet it.

Mistake #5: Choosing too low an AHP Saving $50 monthly but having a $1,000 AHP versus $5,000 can backfire if you face big bills.

Conclusion: Is Medishare Insurance Your Healthcare Answer?

Medishare Insurance offers remarkable savings—potentially $10,000+ annually for families—but requires accepting uncertainty and faith-based restrictions. It’s revolutionizing healthcare for 400,000+ Christians who value community over corporate insurance.

The bottom line: If you’re healthy, faith-aligned, and financially prepared for potential uncovered expenses, Medishare could slash your healthcare costs by 60%. If you need guaranteed coverage or have complex medical needs, traditional insurance remains safer.

Do your homework. Use the Medishare Login to explore actual Medishare Cost calculators, read uncensored Medishare Insurance Reviews, and talk to current members before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Medishare Insurance considered real health insurance?

No, Medishare is a healthcare sharing ministry, not insurance. It’s not regulated by state insurance departments and doesn’t guarantee payment of medical bills. However, it qualifies as minimum essential coverage under the ACA, so you won’t face tax penalties.

2. How much does Medishare actually cost per month?

Medishare Monthly Cost ranges from $169 for singles to $649+ for large families, depending on age and chosen Annual Household Portion. This is 50-70% less than traditional insurance premiums.

3. What happens if Medishare doesn’t share my medical bills?

You’re personally responsible. Unlike insurance, Medi-Share has no legal obligation to pay. They can deny sharing if expenses are deemed ineligible or if you violate lifestyle guidelines. Always get pre-approval for major procedures.

4. Can I use any doctor with Medishare Insurance?

You can visit any provider, but using the Medishare Network (PHCS or partner networks) gets you negotiated rates. Out-of-network providers may charge full price, and you’re responsible for any amount Medishare doesn’t share.

5. Does Medishare cover pre-existing conditions?

Limited coverage. Most pre-existing conditions have a 36-month waiting period before they’re shareable. Some chronic conditions may never be eligible. This is the biggest difference from ACA-compliant insurance.

6. How do I file a claim with Medishare Insurance?

Your provider typically bills Medishare directly using your Medishare Insurance Card and the Medishare Insurance Claims Address. You can track status through the Medishare Login portal. For denied claims, you can appeal through their member services.

Thank you for reading! Healthcare decisions are deeply personal—I hope this breakdown helps you choose wisely.

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