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If you’ve ever looked into a health share and wondered whether it’s “too good to be true,” you’re not alone. Many people hesitate because they’ve heard things like, “What if they don’t pay my bills?” or they’ve seen the line every health share includes in their disclaimer:
“We are not insurance and cannot guarantee the payment of medical bills.”
At first glance, that can sound unsettling. After all, we’ve been taught that insurance equals protection and peace of mind. But in reality, that simple disclaimer doesn’t mean a health share won’t help you when you need it — it just means they operate under a different set of laws.
Let’s unpack what that means — and why “no guarantee” doesn’t automatically mean “no trust.”
Why Health Shares Can’t Offer a Legal Guarantee
Health shares are not insurance, and that’s by design.
They’re organized as non-profit or ministry-based communities where members agree to help each other with medical expenses according to a shared set of written Member Guidelines.
Because they aren’t governed by state insurance departments, they can’t legally use insurance terminology or make contractual promises. That’s why every health share includes that familiar disclaimer — not because they’re unreliable, but because they can’t use the same legal language that insurance companies do.
In practice, this means your membership is based on mutual trust and transparency, not on a corporate contract. Members contribute a set amount each month, and those funds are used to share in other members’ eligible medical needs. Thousands of families have relied on this system for years — and it works exactly as intended when medical needs arise.
So no, the disclaimer doesn’t mean they won’t pay. It simply means they can’t legally guarantee payment in the same way an insurance company can.
The Irony: When “Guaranteed” Doesn’t Always Mean Secure
Here’s where things get interesting.
While health insurance policies do come with legal guarantees, those guarantees don’t always protect you the way you might expect.
In theory, insurance should provide peace of mind. But in practice, it often comes with denied claims, delayed payments, and mountains of paperwork — right when you’re already dealing with a medical crisis.
The reality is that many people never make it through that process. They end up paying out of pocket or going into medical debt, even though their “guaranteed” policy should have protected them.
That’s the irony:
People often fear joining a health share because it doesn’t offer a legal guarantee — yet they accept those same frustrations from a for-profit system that profits most when it pays out less.
A Different Kind of System
Health shares were built to be an alternative — a people-first approach to healthcare that removes corporate middlemen and focuses on community.
Every member knows where their money is going, and most programs are transparent about how funds are shared each month. Instead of profit margins and red tape, the focus is on helping one another with large and unexpected medical needs.
For thousands of members, this model has proven to be dependable, compassionate, and far more affordable than traditional insurance.
So, Are Health Shares a Scam?
No — not when you understand what they are and how they work.
They’re not insurance, and they’re not pretending to be. They’re a different model entirely — one built on voluntary participation, clear guidelines, and a shared sense of responsibility.
That said, it’s important to do your research. Every health share has its own rules, membership requirements, and approach to sharing expenses. Take time to read their Member Guidelines, understand what’s included, and make sure it aligns with your family’s needs and values.
Health shares are not insurance and do not offer insurance coverage. Membership in a health share does not guarantee the payment or reimbursement of medical expenses. Each organization operates under its own membership guidelines, which determine what expenses may be eligible for sharing. This publication is for informational purposes only and is not provided by an insurance company. For state-specific notices and full program details, please visit the respective health share’s official website.
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