There’s no Open Enrollment requirement for Medi-Share meaning you can sign up anytime, but they recommend you submit your initial application by the 20th of the month if you want your plan to start the 1st of the next month.
Medi-Share has qualities similar to traditional insurance, such as a deductible and premium (the monthly share amount). It costs $50 to apply to Medi-Share, and there is a $120 one-time membership fee with the first monthly payment. Mira provides an affordable alternative to health insurance at just $45 per month.
It’s totally legal and there’s a strong membership base to support it and similar programs. But it’s likely not the most affordable health care option for most people. The ideal candidate for Medi-Share is in excellent health and also has a robust savings account to pay out of pocket for routine medical care.
The cost per month ranges from $24 to $94 per month.
With your HealthValues membership, never pay full price for an X-Ray, MRI, CT scan, mammogram or ultrasounds. Save on medical, discounted imagery and surgery services. With your HealthValues membership you receive 24/7 access to Teladoc.
Company Description: Medi-Share Inc is located in Kitchener, ON, Canada and is part of the Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories Industry.
No HSAs – Medi-Share is not eligible for use with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Note: you can still keep your HSA and use it if you have one, you just can’t make tax-free contributions to it.
Prescriptions: Prescriptions are eligible for sharing (for a six-month period) if they are related to a new eligible illness, injury or accident. Members have access to prescription discounts which can help you save an average of 40 percent on all your medications – even if it is a medication you already take.
Members can apply for the Health Incentive that can save a household up to 20% on their monthly share payments. To qualify, both the head of household and spouse (if applicable) must apply as individuals and meet the criteria within 30 days of each other.
Medi-Share Disadvantages
You might not be eligible for expensive surgical procedures or care because Medi-Share is technically NOT insurance. … Many hospitals won’t deal with Medi-Share, even if the hospitals are in your network, and as a result, you will need to pay out of pocket yourself.
Cons
- Medi-Share is not an insurance.
- No legal protection for an unpaid claim, coverage denied, or bankruptcy.
- Restrictions based on lifestyle and pre-existing conditions; may have to make additional monthly payments.
- No Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions or reimbursement plans.
Doctor Network – Medi-Share has a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network of doctors. It’s built on MultiPlan’s PHCS network, which is the same company that manages networks for some of the major traditional insurance companies.
Medi-Share does not exclude people for pre-existing conditions (similar to major medical plans), but they won’t pay for any pre-existing conditions for the first 36 months. Very important! That means if you are already pregnant when applying for Medi-Share, that pregnancy will not be covered.
While Medi-Share covers most things you would expect a regular health plan to, it doesn’t cover mental health or substance abuse counseling. If you need a lot of those services, you could blow past your AHP and not get any sharing benefits.
What is maternity sharing?
Costs related to maternity sharing, including prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care, are all shared under a single need. Some shareable services include routine office visits, ultrasounds, and charges related to unexpected complications.