Hate Insurance?
“I hate paying all that money to insurance companies. I would rather it go to other people like me who need the help.” - Client
Hate Insurance?
You’re in the right place if any of this resonates with you:
Every month you keep paying, and paying, and paying… then a health event happens. Now you’re paying, and paying, and paying some more. Where does all the money go?!
We’re healthy and never go to the doctor… Why do I even have health insurance anyways?
Isn’t there any way to protect myself financially in case something happens, without it costing an arm and a leg?
I hate paying all this money to the insurance company and lining their pockets when it’s not helping me or anyone else!
Why is it always a fight to get the care I need paid for?
Why did I get a bill in the mail 2 years later when I had a health event that was “covered” by insurance?
All of this and more contribute to people just like you making the decision to look for alternatives. The good news is that there are more options available today than ever before.
First up, what are the alternatives?
If you’re willing to unplug from traditional insurance there are some options out there… they just aren’t considered “health insurance”. Keep that in mind as you look into these things. You have two basic routes you can go if you want to ditch traditional health insurance.
The first is to be willing to “cash pay”, have savings set aside for future medical events so that you can pay for all of the care you may need. The second is being part of a group of people who are all part of a membership program called a health share.
Another part of getting the care you need is having access to a doctor whenever you need it, this can be done on the cash pay model or by finding a doctor that has stepped outside the traditional health care model using a membership model called “Direct Primary Care”. Naturopaths have been outside of the traditional model for years and most are aware they are a cash pay only alternative.
There’s a lot of different “health share” companies out there, you want to do your research to make sure the one you choose to join has sound policies in place to be able to help share your costs when you need them. There is a site you can go to review and compare them side by side here, our preferred partner is Zion Health (<-- affiliate link).
Health Share
Health Shares, also known as health care sharing ministries, are often faith-based organizations that provide an alternative to traditional health insurance. (Zion Health is not faith based.) Members of these organizations pool their resources to cover each other's medical expenses.
According to the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries, over 1 million Americans currently participate in health care sharing ministries (Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries, n.d.). Some of the most well-known health shares include Samaritan Ministries, Medi-Share, and Christian Healthcare Ministries.
Health shares operate on a voluntary basis, and their members typically share a common belief that living a healthy lifestyle is key to minimizing costs. Members contribute a set amount each month, which is then used to pay for the medical needs of other members. Health shares are not considered insurance and are not regulated by the government, so they are not subject to the same rules and requirements as traditional health insurance plans.
Pros of Health Shares:
Lower monthly costs compared to traditional health insurance (especially when it comes to family coverage)
No government regulation, which can provide more flexibility in coverage options
Shared values and beliefs among members
Tax deductions may be available for contributions
Pre-pay for planned care with no balance billing afterwards
Cons of Health Shares:
Limited coverage options and exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions and certain types of medical care
No guarantee of payment for medical expenses
May not cover preventive care or prescription medications
Members must adhere to either specific religious beliefs and/or lifestyle requirements
Direct Primary Care
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model in which patients pay a monthly or annual fee to have direct access to their primary care physician. This fee covers most primary care services, such as office visits, preventative care, and basic lab work. DPC practices do not accept insurance, so patients typically pay out-of-pocket for any additional services, such as specialist visits or hospital care.
The main goal of DPC is to provide patients with more personalized and affordable healthcare by eliminating the need for insurance companies as intermediaries. According to the Direct Primary Care Coalition, there are currently over 2,300 DPC practices in the United States (Direct Primary Care Coalition, n.d.). You can view a map of them here to find one close to you.
Pros of Direct Primary Care:
Lower overall healthcare costs due to the elimination of insurance companies
More personalized and accessible care from primary care physicians, like same or next day appointments, home visits, and more than 5 minutes with the doctor
No co-pays or deductibles for covered services
Potential for improved health outcomes due to better patient-provider relationships
Cons of Direct Primary Care:
Limited coverage for specialty care, hospitalization, and emergency services
May not be a viable option for those with chronic health conditions or complex medical needs
No protection against catastrophic medical expenses
Conclusion: while these options may not be suitable for everyone, they offer unique benefits and drawbacks that cater to different healthcare needs and preferences. It is essential to thoroughly research and compare these alternatives to make an informed decision about the best healthcare solution for you and your family.
If you have any questions or would like help talking through these options you’re welcome to contact us. Our focus is on serving businesses who are looking for ways to take care of their people. Helping you on the journey from not having any kind of benefits in place to full employee benefits packages as you grow and scale.
References:
Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries. (n.d.). About health care sharing ministries. Retrieved from: https://www.healthcaresharing.org/about/
Direct Primary Care Coalition. (n.d.). About DPC. Retrieved from: https://www.dpcare.org/about/
