There are not many issues on which Democrats and Republicans can agree in the current age of politics. It often seems that the two sides disagree with each other not based on some deep philosophical belief, but rather just for the sake of disagreement. However, there is one issue on which the two sides can agree there is need for change, even if they cannot agree on the solution. That issue, which you might have been able to guess, is the need to reform our healthcare system in the United States.
Since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010, the cost of healthcare plans in the United States has continued to rise. In addition to the rise in premiums, the average annual deductible has also increased, meaning consumers were left paying more not only on a monthly basis but also when they needed care. All of this with fewer options for the consumer due to the regulations imposed by the law that was touted as a way to make healthcare more affordable and accessible.
Instead, the regulation imposed by the Affordable Care Act led to decreased competition in the healthcare marketplace. This was, of course, a main reason for the increase in monthly premiums and deductibles, but also has the effect of giving consumers less freedom to choose a plan that was right for them. The law also allowed the federal and state governments to impose coverage requirements upon health insurers with which many of their members may not agree, such as coverage for abortions.
While the Affordable Care Act included language that requires increased transparency on the part of health insurance company, this language has not led to much in the way of actual transparency between the companies and consumers. Consumers still pay their monthly premiums each month without having any real idea of how their money is being spent. Consumers are also still treated as just another number in the company’s database, and not a valued member of a community.
However, there is one healthcare option available that helps return freedom and transparency to the healthcare market, and it’s an option with which many Americans may not be familiar. The concept of healthcare sharing has been in existence for several decades but has seen a big boost in popularity since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, thanks to steps taken by healthcare sharing organizations to return freedom and transparency to their members.
Healthcare sharing ministries, such as Share HealthCare, allow for their members to have a greater level of freedom in their healthcare in several ways. One of the main features of healthcare sharing ministries that promotes greater healthcare freedom is the ability to make decisions about your own health. Take, for example, an excerpt from the Member Handbook of Share HealthCare which states that “Compelled only by their conscience and personal integrity, Members share in the medical expenses of fellow members and make responsible decisions regarding their own health.” This excerpt shows that while you are part of a community that is there to help you bear financial burdens relating to your medical expenses, you are the one in charge of making your own health decisions.
Not only do healthcare sharing ministries provide a greater level of freedom in their members’ healthcare, but they also provide a greater level of transparency. Take a look, once again, at Share HealthCare for an example. Upon joining Share HealthCare, members receive access to an online portal where they can not only make their monthly payment and submit medical expenses, but they can also view the status of submitted expenses, access a statement of how their funds have been used, and even send well wishes to fellow members going through difficult times. As non-profit organizations, healthcare sharing ministries don’t have a compulsion to accumulate massive profits to satisfy shareholders. Additionally, they are audited each year by outside agencies to ensure proper usage of funds, so members can feel a sense of comfort that their funds are being used properly to benefit them and their fellow members.
It’s not just freedom and transparency that these healthcare sharing ministries, such as Share HealthCare, offer their members. It’s also greater access and affordability. For example, Share HealthCare allows members to join throughout the year, not just during designated periods. Also, Share HealthCare makes their program affordable with memberships for singles starting as low as $149 per month and memberships for families starting as low as $349 per month.
While healthcare sharing has been in existence for several decades, the concept continues to bring much needed change to the healthcare market. These organizations not only provide a greater level of freedom and transparency to the healthcare market, but they also provide a greater level of accessibility and affordability. In a time of rising cost among traditional health insurance providers, healthcare sharing ministries offer a credible and effective solution for Americans looking for more freedom, transparency, and affordability in their healthcare. Learn more about one of these healthcare sharing ministries, Share HealthCare, today at their website or by calling them at (844) 742-7342 to speak with a healthcare sharing expert!
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