Healthshare Frequently Asked Questions

Health Sharing Information, Questions, and Answers

How Does Health Sharing Work?

Health Sharing, health insurance alternative, is a patient centered healthcare plan at affordable rates. 

NEED HELP?

Frequently Asked Questions

A: MPB Health provides innovative healthcare solutions that combine affordability with comprehensive solutions, offering a Medical Cost Sharing alternative to traditional health insurance.

A: Healthshares have existed for over 30 years, with some dating back to before 1999, which is a key requirement for exemption from the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

A: Medical Cost Sharing plans are not Insurance, therefore, are not acknowledged or utilized as is insurance.  Unlike insurance, each member of the medical cost sharing community contributes a monthly share amount, which is, then, shared by all members for small and large medical needs that arise.  Since all contributions are owned by the members, it is in their best interest to help each other minimize health care costs by seeking out highest quality services at fairest price for each medical need, thus maintaining low monthly share fees. 

A: A minimum of 3 employees are required for the Employer Group List Bill program.

Business with fewer than 3 employees are still eligible to participate through our individual billing platform. 

A: Eligible needs can be shared no matter where in the world they were incurred and treated if the itemized bill is in English and U.S. dollars.  

A: No, healthshares are not health insurance. They are organizations that enable members with shared beliefs to pool their resources and assist one another with healthcare costs.

A: The enrollment deadline is the twentieth of the month for an effective membership start date of the first of the following month.  start date of the first of the following month. t

A: MPB.Health is the only non-insurance-based, low-cost health care solution available today offering a variety of health plan options that include a full array of services to manage all your health care needs, such as: health sharing, telehealth, mental health, RX benefits, Concierge Assistance and much more! 

A: Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA) is the members personal financial responsibility, before medical bills are able to be shared by the community. 

A: Unlike traditional healthcare, Medical Cost Sharing relies on a community of individuals pooling their resources to cover each other’s healthcare costs. Additionally, there are usually less network restrictions, which means a member can choose any healthcare provider they want.

A: Health conscious individuals and families who align with the principles of cost-sharing and want an alternative to traditional healthcare.

A: Pre-existing conditions are generally subject to specific waiting periods before they become eligible for sharing. The length of this period can vary depending on the health share community and plan, but it typically ranges from several months to a couple of years of continuous membership.

A: Some of our plans include preventive services, such as wellness checks and immunizations, to support members in maintaining their long-term health. However, not all plans offer these benefits, so it’s important to review the details of each plan.

Members can submit eligible medical expenses by following the provided instructions on the member portal or through their healthcare concierge.

A: Depending on the plan, there may be network restrictions for plans that include Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC). In such cases, members are required to use specific healthcare providers within the designated network to receive benefits.

A: Membership costs vary based on factors such as the plan type, family size, the ages of household members, and whether or not there are tobacco or vape users in the household. These factors can influence the overall cost, but generally, MPB Health’s options remain more affordable than traditional healthcare plans.

A: MPB Health provides a range of supplemental services, including dental and vision care, to enhance your healthcare membership. Availability of these services depends on the specific plan you choose.

A: In a true emergency, members should go to the nearest emergency room and request the best cash price, which can range from a 10% to 80% discount. If you believe you’ll reach your chosen IUA, call the MPB Concierge for guidance. Request a Super Bill and submit it immediately. All bills must be submitted within six months from the first date of service for the medical incident, and expenses are eligible for cost-sharing once the IUA is met.

A: Our Medical Cost Sharing memberships typically have no annual or lifetime caps on eligible medical expenses after the IUA is met.

A: Healthsharing allows eligible maternity services such as prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care to be shared within the community. However, it’s important to note that if conception occurs before membership begins, the pregnancy will not be eligible for cost-sharing. Members must meet the required waiting period and guidelines for maternity services to be shareable.

A: Once medical expenses are submitted, eligible bills are processed and shared within a few weeks, subject to the review and cost-sharing protocols.

A: MPB Health offers services like telehealth, mental health counseling, concierge services, and prescription discounts.

A: Yes, MPB Health offers telemedicine services for consultations, which may reduce the need for in-person visits.

A: If a provider is unfamiliar with Medical Cost Sharing, members can still submit their bills for cost-sharing as long as it is for an eligible medical need and the IUA has been paid.

A: MPB Health negotiates lower prices with providers and promotes cost-conscious healthcare decisions among members. Additionally members may be more mindful of their healthcare usage, leading to fewer unnecessary procedures and treatments.

A: The healthcare concierge acts as a personal advocate for members, assisting with navigating their healthcare membership. They help find affordable medications, locate doctors and healthcare facilities, and offer guidance on making cost-effective decisions. The concierge service may also assist in ensuring that members have access to the care they need. Their role is to provide personalized support throughout the healthcare process, helping members make informed choices while maximizing the benefits of their membership.

A: Our concierge team works to find the best pricing for your medications by searching through 5+ partner organizations, ensuring affordable options at local pharmacies or through mail-order. They also provide access to Manufacturer Savings Programs, Patient Assistance Programs, and other discounts. 

For high-cost brand medications, we have options available, although limitations may apply for controlled substances and refrigerated medications. Prescription cost-sharing depends on the plan, but MPB Health offers discounts through these partners to make medications more affordable for members.

A: Yes, all MPB Health memberships include access to $0 virtual, face-to-face, or phone mental health counseling sessions, with up to 12 sessions a year (6 sessions in California). Additionally, members have access to various work/life resources to further support their mental well-being, ensuring a holistic approach to healthcare.

A: You can request a personalized quote by visiting the MPB Health website and filling out the required information.

A: Yes, MPB Health has plans available for businesses looking to offer alternative healthcare solutions for employees.

A: MPB Health plans are available in most states, so your membership typically remains valid if you move. 

However, availability may vary by location, and some states. It is important to check the specific plan details for coverage based on your state of residence.

A: Some of our memberships, which include Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC), are ACA-compliant. However, not all plans meet the Affordable Care Act mandates. To understand which options best suit your needs and comply with ACA requirements, it’s recommended to contact one of our healthcare advisors for more detailed information.

A: If you cancel your membership, you will no longer be eligible for cost-sharing and will need to cover all future medical expenses on your own. Additionally, if you have an ongoing open medical need, you may lose eligibility for sharing after cancellation, meaning you must find other ways to pay for those costs. Be aware that some cost-sharing programs impose waiting periods for new members or certain conditions, so if you rejoin after canceling, there may be a delay before your membership is fully effective again.