Optimal Wellness Solutions

Fall isn’t just the season of pumkin lattes', football, and Halloween.

The Fall season also prompts all kinds of random phone calls reminding us to renew or register for whatever health insurance program we’ll be using for the coming year.

My husband and I both own our own business, which means we are responsible for paying for health insurance on our own. I decided to share the option I found that works for me, as I’ve had this conversation multiple times in the office.

I could write 5 blogs detailing the problems around how we currently “do healthcare” in this country, as well as the issues around the medical insurance cartel.

I’m not going to do that, as I’d like to focus on educating folks about their options vs complaining about things we can’t control.

When shifting from the corporate world into full-time self-employment, a big question I had was how to pay for health insurance. I looked around at several options and a friend suggested I look into getting a health share.

What Is Health Share and how does it differ from Traditional Insurance?

A health share, also known as a health care sharing ministry or medical cost sharing program, is a cooperative arrangement where members contribute monthly to help pay each other’s medical bills.

Unlike insurance, health shares are typically organized by nonprofit organizations, often with a shared ethical or religious foundation.

Members agree to a set of principles and guidelines, and their contributions are pooled to assist those in need of medical care.

How Does a Health Share Work?

Health shares operate on a simple premise: members help each other cover medical costs. Here’s how the process generally works:
Monthly Contributions: Each member pays a fixed monthly amount, often called a “share,” into the program.
Medical Needs Submission: When a member incurs eligible medical expenses, they submit their bills to the health share organization.
Bill Review: The organization reviews the bills to ensure they meet the program’s guidelines and are eligible for sharing.
Funds Distribution: If approved, funds from the collective pool are used to pay the member’s medical bills, either directly to the provider or as reimbursement.
It’s important to note that health shares are not insurance. They do not guarantee payment, and there may be limitations on what types of expenses are covered. However, many health shares negotiate discounts with providers and offer support for navigating the healthcare system.
Benefits of Using a Health Share
1. Cost Savings
Health shares often have lower monthly costs compared to traditional insurance premiums. Members can save significantly, especially if they are generally healthy and do not require frequent medical care.
2. Flexibility
Health shares may offer more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, as they are not limited by insurance networks. Members can often see any doctor or specialist they prefer.
3. Transparency
Many health share organizations are transparent about how funds are used and how decisions are made. Members can see where their money goes and how it helps others.
4. Ethical Alignment
For those who want their healthcare dollars to align with their personal beliefs, health shares often have guidelines that reflect specific ethical or religious values.

Does it work?

Yeah, that was the question I had last year when I actually had to use my health share to cover costs for a surgery. When initially learning I needed surgery, a friend suggested I ditch my health share and get “real insurance.” I’m glad I didn’t do that.

Here’s how it broke down for me: my monthly personal premium for my health share was around $230/month.

Prior to surgery, I was instructed by my health share to obtain invoices from the medical professionals indicating the cash price for anesthesia, facility fees, and doctor’s fees.

Cash prices for these services were 40-60% lower than insurance prices, by the way.

Once we knew what the exact costs, down to the penny, my health share issued me a digital credit card pre-loaded with the exact amount of $ to cover the costs on the invoices and the surgery was pre-paid.

I really appreciated the transparency of this process.

My total out of pocket expense for a $32,000 surgery was $1,000.

My Health Share is called Zion Health and it has no religious affiliation. Another positive company I've heard of is CrowdHealth. There are many out there that have all kinds of affiliations.
Is A Health Share Right for You?
Health shares can be a great option for individuals and families who are looking for an affordable, community-based approach to healthcare.

However, it’s important to carefully review each program’s guidelines, limitations, and eligibility requirements. Health shares may not cover all medical expenses, such as pre-existing conditions, preventive care, or certain treatments.

Before joining, consider your healthcare needs, financial situation, and whether you’re comfortable with the cooperative nature of health sharing.

It’s also wise to consult with a financial advisor or healthcare professional to ensure a health share is the right fit for you.

Health shares offer a unique alternative to traditional health insurance, emphasizing community, cost savings, and shared values. By understanding how they work and their potential benefits, you can make an informed decision about whether a health share is the right choice for your healthcare needs.

HSA

I was also able to open and fund my own HSA account through my credit union. Most of my healthcare consists of utilizing alternative therapies that are cash-based.

Using my HSA account to pay for these services allows me a write-off on my taxes. Check with your accountant and local bank to see if they offer a self-funded HSA.

I am probably getting a little over my skis here in writing about a topic that I am clearly not an expert: finances and money.

However, I commonly hear people remark about being tethered to a job that no longer serves them simply because it pays their health insurance.

Many don’t know there are other options available, so I just wanted to put it out there.

DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH!

https://mailchi.mp/c578e8fca0d1/what-is-retracing-10153577

OWS Welcomes Jeanne Lecher!! I am Jeanne Lecher, and I’ve spent over 40 years walking alongside the healing journeys of others—through nursing, massage therapy, energy work, and soul facilitation.

https://mailchi.mp/ab3668ef6d3b/what-is-retracing-10153001

Evolution and Anxiety New Clients Special: mention this article to receive $30 off your first session. Optimal Wellness Solutions is located at 2489 Rice St., Ste. 130, in Roseville, Minnesota. For more information or to schedule a session, call 651-340-1233 or visit RosevilleOptimalWellness.com. 

https://mailchi.mp/1787993921bc/what-is-retracing-10152268

Don't Kick the Dog The Light System™ also includes Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy, a well-researched, non-invasive technology that supports the body at a cellular level.   PEMF uses gentle, low-frequency electromagnetic pulses to encourage healthy cellular communication, circulation, and tissue repair...

https://mailchi.mp/74a04b77198c/what-is-retracing-10151891

Things I lost in 2025 I lost a few things in 2025, but this blog is about weight loss. This is my journey and what has been working for me. Please note: there are many ways to skin a cat. Strap in; this is a long one. I lost 15-20 pounds this year. I say 15-20 because I’m unsure exactly how much I weighed when the yea...

https://mailchi.mp/b6b2d8576b02/what-is-retracing-10151614

Excited to Wake Up! Struggling trying to figure out what to get your loved one for Christmas this year?  Do they already have "all the stuff"?  Have you been raving about the amazing abilities of Derrick, Rebecca, Brenda, Michele or Pam and you'd really like your friend or loved one to experience healing? Consider g...

https://mailchi.mp/dd289d179e29/what-is-retracing-10150985

Why I Did A P**p Test💩 P**p is a hot topic of conversation both in my professional life and my home life. We are privileged to spend a lot of time with our beautiful 5-month-old granddaughter, and as you can imagine, we talk a lot about p**p!

https://mailchi.mp/716b3551500a/what-is-retracing-10150874

Allow the Motion of Life

https://mailchi.mp/16a5ca535029/what-is-retracing-10150674

A Better Night of Sleep?