Having insurance and being protected are not the same thing. Millions of insured individuals still find themselves buried in medical debt, not because they failed to plan, but because the system is designed to shift costs back onto patients. High deductibles, restrictive networks, and unexpected charges leave many wondering: What exactly am I paying for?
The Illusion of Security
For decades, the message has been simple: if you have insurance, you’re safe. But for countless families, that promise doesn’t match reality. Even with traditional health insurance, medical debt remains the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S. Premiums keep climbing, deductibles grow larger, and unexpected bills force people to pay thousands out of pocket.
Consider this: a young family with employer-sponsored insurance still faces a $7,000 deductible before their benefits even begin. Another person with a “comprehensive” plan is surprised by high medical bills that weren’t fully covered. And for many who rely on prescriptions, essential medications remain expensive or only partially covered, leaving them to cover the expenses on their own.
The result? On paper, they’re insured. In practice, they’re financially exposed. A card in your wallet doesn’t always translate to real peace of mind when a medical emergency happens.
Why Traditional Insurance Leaves Gaps
The gaps in the system are clear:
- High premiums drain household budgets.
- Skyrocketing deductibles delay care until it becomes urgent.
- Limited provider networks force tough choices between affordability and access.
- Surprise medical bills arrive even when you “follow the rules.”
That’s why more and more families are rethinking the system and searching for alternatives that provide more peace of mind.
A More Resilient Approach: Medical Cost Sharing
With Medical Cost Sharing, you can build protection by combining benefits, so you have multiple, easy paths to care and multiple ways to control costs. It’s built on transparency, affordability, and mutual support.
With MPB Health, members gain peace of mind:
- Lower monthly costs compared to traditional insurance premiums.
- Concierge support that helps navigate care with less stress.
- Telehealth access 24/7, so care is always within reach.
- Mental health services, because total well-being matters.
- Pet telehealth, because yes, our pets are family too
- No hidden surprises, just a clear, community-driven approach to healthcare.
- Can be a standalone alternative for some families or a complement to a lean insurance setup for others.
Note: Medical cost sharing isn’t insurance. It’s a model focused on community sharing of eligible expenses per the program’s guidelines. This approach isn’t for everyone and may not suit every healthcare need or financial situation.
Real Protection, Real Peace of Mind
True protection isn’t just about “having insurance”, it comes from a system designed to support, not burden you. MPB Health’s memberships offer a more affordable alternative that removes the financial traps of traditional insurance. Because when life happens, your coverage should be there to protection you, not push you into debt. That’s the difference between the myth of coverage and the reality of health sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is having health insurance the same as being fully protected?
A: Not always. Traditional insurance can leave gaps due to high deductibles, limited networks, and surprise medical bills. Being “insured” doesn’t always mean financial peace of mind.
Q: What is medical cost sharing?
A: Medical cost sharing is a system where members pool resources to share eligible healthcare costs. It’s community-driven, transparent, and often more affordable than traditional insurance.
Q: How is MPB Health different from traditional insurance?
A: MPB Health memberships provide medical cost sharing, concierge support, unlimited virtual care, mental health services, and pet telehealth, all while lowering monthly costs. It’s a flexible approach designed to reduce financial stress, though it’s not insurance.
Q: Are there hidden fees with MPB Health?
A: No. MPB Health is built on transparency. Eligible expenses are shared within the community according to program guidelines, without surprise charges.
Q: Who can benefit most from medical cost sharing?
A: Families, self-employed individuals, and small business owners who want a more affordable, predictable, and supportive way to manage healthcare costs may find medical cost sharing beneficial.
Sources:
-
“Americans’ Challenges with Health Care Costs.” KFF, 11 July 2025, www.kff.org/health-costs/americans-challenges-with-health-care-costs/
- “Uncovered in America: Insurance Doesn’t Guarantee Access, and Coverage Doesn’t Mean You’re Covered.” Forbes, www.forbes.com/sites/peterubel/2019/07/15/uncovered-in-america-insurance-doesnt-guarantee-access-and-coverage-doesnt-mean-youre-covered/?sh=6530deb27530
-
“Why Health Insurance Feels Like a Scam: Paying More and Getting Less.” Forbes, www.forbes.com/sites/reneehsia/2025/01/13/why-health-insurance-feels-like-a-scam-paying-more-and-getting-less/
Disclaimer:
The content provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen, starting new therapies, or discontinuing existing treatments. Mention of specific practices, therapies, or organizations does not constitute an endorsement. The views expressed are those of the author and may not reflect the policies or positions of any affiliated entities.