Liberty HealthShare is a healthcare sharing ministry that offers affordable options for people 65 and older on Medicare Parts A and B, as well as young adults 18-29 and married couples without children. Members pay a monthly “sharing” contribution to cover the medical expenses of other members, and when they are eligible, they can take advantage of additional services like HST Connect to find the most affordable procedures and providers.
Marriage counseling may not be covered by insurance, but online couples counseling for mental health may be a lower-cost option. Members with pre-existing medical conditions are only covered up to a certain extent and according to specific schedules. Medi-Share is the winner, as testing may be eligible for sharing.
Liberty HealthShare is not an insurance company nor offered through an insurance company, but it does not guarantee coverage for marriage counseling or couples therapy costs. The faith-based program facilitates healthsharing for its members, and the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) document helps choose a health plan. The faith-based program is a caring community of health-conscious individuals and families who facilitate healthsharing.
For couples, monthly shares start at $266, while family programs start at $513 per month. Both spouses must have their own Liberty Rise membership to participate. The service is secondary to monthly shares, and both spouses must apply for separate memberships.
In summary, Liberty HealthShare is a budget-friendly option for people 65 and older on Medicare Parts A and B, offering affordable options for medical expenses. It is important to note that the service is secondary to monthly shares, and married seniors must participate as separate sharing members.
📹 Review of Liberty Healthshare as Health Insurance
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Why Is Mental Health Not Covered By Insurance?
The parity law mandates that if insurers provide mental health benefits, these must not be more restrictive than those for physical health. Despite this, significant barriers remain for mental health and substance use treatment coverage, prompting plan members to seek legal recourse against unfair denials. A shortage of therapists within insurance networks exacerbates accessibility issues, with many mental health professionals refusing insurance. Even though most Americans are insured, access remains limited, as roughly two-thirds with diagnosed mental health conditions could not get treatment in 2021.
The Affordable Care Act does include coverage for various mental health services, but insurers often continue to impose higher copayments or limit service frequency for mental health care. State and federal laws aim to ensure parity, yet insurance companies can still define medical necessity restrictively, impacting treatment availability. A notable disparity exists in reimbursement rates for "in-network" mental health providers compared to other medical providers. This landscape has fostered a crisis-oriented mental health system, revealing the inadequacy of current insurance practices in supporting comprehensive mental health care.
Is Liberty HealthShare The Same As Medi-Share?
Liberty HealthShare is available in all 50 states and has a reputable online presence, offering various plans such as Liberty Unite, Liberty Connect, Liberty Essential, Liberty Dental, Liberty Freedom, Liberty Rise, and Liberty Assist tailored for singles, couples, and families. It operates differently from Medi-Share, which functions more like an insurance provider, making it a quicker option for doctor visits. Medi-Share boasts no coverage limits, a wider network of medical providers, and better overall reviews.
Both are non-traditional health insurance solutions and faith-based ministries where members pool funds to cover medical expenses. Since 2019, Liberty has helped share over $1. 25 billion in eligible expenses, with three tiers of sharing: Liberty Complete, Liberty Plus, and Liberty Essential. Although often cost-effective, Liberty lacks the same legal obligations as traditional insurers, meaning members directly share costs through pooled monthly dues.
Medi-Share is frequently recommended due to its size and experience, while Liberty HealthShare targets a broader demographic. However, Liberty's membership can be more expensive, not factoring in any potential co-shares. Overall, both options serve as alternatives to traditional health insurance but differ significantly in plan structure, coverage limits, and network access.
What Does AUA Mean In Liberty HealthShare?
One key concept to understand is the Annual Unshared Amount (AUA), coined by Liberty HealthShare. The AUA represents the medical costs you must pay out-of-pocket before other members begin sharing your eligible expenses. This financial obligation varies based on family size: for instance, Liberty Essential's AUA is approximately $4, 000 for individuals, $8, 000 for couples, and $12, 000 for families. Unlike traditional health insurance that uses deductibles and co-pays, Liberty HealthShare operates as a medical cost-sharing ministry without these elements.
Understanding your AUA is vital, as it sets the threshold before the sharing of medical expenses starts. For example, if you incur medical costs, you must cover your AUA first, after which eligible expenses can be shared by other members. Liberty HealthShare also provides valuable resources like HST Connect to help members navigate healthcare options and find savings.
Remember, the AUA is crucial to your participation in the Liberty HealthShare program, and it allows for a community-oriented approach to healthcare costs. If you're unfamiliar with this concept, it's worthwhile to explore how the AUA works in the context of your health-sharing experience, emphasizing the collaborative nature of coverage.
Do Liberty HealthShare Members Pay A Co-Share?
Members of Liberty HealthShare pay a co-share on eligible medical expenses, with the percentage varying by program, typically at 15% or 25%. After meeting the Annual Unshared Amount (AUA), members can share fair and reasonable medical expenses up to $1, 000, 000 per incident. Liberty Freedom allows sharing up to $300, 000, while different limits apply for ancillary therapies and cancer care. Each member contributes to the medical expenses of others, facilitated by Liberty HealthShare.
For married couples, both need their own Liberty Rise membership. Share Healthcare has no annual or lifetime caps on requests for eligible needs, with members paying a co-share of 25%. Liberty Assist shares up to $100, 000 per year, while Liberty Essential shares up to $600, 000 per incident, both requiring a 25% co-share after the AUA is met. OneShare Health targets individual sharing amounts between $5, 000 and $10, 000.
Monthly contributions for these programs depend on household size and age. Liberty HealthShare operates as a non-profit, Christian organization, emphasizing mutual support among its members in covering medical costs.
How Much Does Liberty HealthShare Cost?
Liberty HealthShare offers various medical cost-sharing programs, each designed for different household sizes and needs. Monthly contributions range from $159 to $1, 239, with an additional $50 for each family member over five. For families larger than four, there is a $65 additional share per member. Enrollment fees are $125 for the Liberty Share plan and $135 for Liberty Plus. Medical expenses eligible for sharing are capped at $50, 000 per year for limited services, while sharing amounts can be as low as $87 per month.
Furthermore, Liberty HealthShare requires both spouses to maintain separate memberships if married, and people aged 65 and older can join Liberty Assist. Dental expenses have a $2, 000 sharing cap per member annually. The plans vary, as seen in Liberty Essential, starting at $159 monthly, or Liberty Unite, which can go up to $1, 276 for families with members over 50. Additional costs include an annual $75 renewal for participation in any of the six medical sharing programs.
Liberty HealthShare invites members to take control of their healthcare costs and share expenses with a like-minded community, eliminating traditional deductibles and co-pays in favor of an Annual Unshared Amount (AUA).
Is There A Class Action Lawsuit Against Liberty HealthShare?
Many members have joined a class-action lawsuit against Liberty HealthShare, alleging fraud and failure to pay medical bills. Understanding the organization's rise and fall requires a look at its origins in health care sharing ministries, which date back to the early 1900s among Mennonites. In 2021, Liberty members filed a lawsuit against the Beers family and affiliated vendors when their medical bills were left unpaid and referred to collections.
Recent court documents reveal settlement agreements related to this litigation. One member, Shealy, contends that Liberty HealthShare acted as health insurance under South Carolina law. The failing response from regulatory agencies has led to members accumulating significant medical debt. This situation has prompted ongoing legal actions against Liberty, including a lawsuit from Orlando Health, a major health system in Florida, claiming misrepresentation by the organization.
Amidst these lawsuits, Liberty HealthShare has undergone managerial changes, including appointing a new board of directors. The class-action lawsuit could potentially encompass all past and present members, highlighting the deep-seated issues within Liberty HealthShare and the implications for those relying on its services for medical expenses.
What Are The Disadvantages Of HealthShare Plans?
Health share plans present a viable alternative to traditional health insurance, highlighted by lower costs, community support, and increased access to care for individuals and families. However, a significant drawback is their limited coverage, as they may not cater to chronic or pre-existing conditions, and certain expensive treatments might not be included. The choice between religious and secular health sharing plans often hinges on personal beliefs, healthcare needs, and financial considerations, with both types offering distinct advantages and disadvantages.
While these plans can be more cost-effective, they lack the guarantees of conventional insurance and are not governed by the same regulations. This absence of oversight can lead to potential pitfalls, such as denied coverage for specific health expenses or the classification of certain costs as "unshared." Moreover, many health-sharing ministries impose lifestyle requirements and do not provide coverage for abortions or certain preventive care.
For potential members, it is crucial to thoroughly evaluate the pros and cons, including factors like restrictive coverage options, to ensure the selected health share plan aligns with their individual needs and expectations.
Are HealthShare Plans Worth It?
Health share plans provide an alternative to traditional health insurance, often featuring lower monthly costs through a cost-sharing model. Members contribute to a shared fund, resulting in reduced individual expenses. These plans, such as Medi-Share and Liberty HealthShare, emphasize communal support while appealing to those seeking affordable healthcare options outside the Affordable Care Act. Despite their advantages, health share plans also present pros and cons that potential users must consider. Some benefits include significant cost savings and increased accessibility to care. However, they lack the guarantees and consumer protections provided by conventional insurance.
Eligibility for health share programs varies, as each has its own requirements. These programs are typically nonprofit and retain a portion of contributions for administrative costs, with the rest facilitating community sharing. While they often save families substantial amounts on healthcare costs, these plans may not be the best fit for everyone, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions or those eligible for subsidies through healthcare.
gov. In summary, health share plans can be an effective option for many individuals and families, emphasizing affordability and community, yet they also require careful consideration of individual healthcare needs and potential limitations.
Does Liberty HealthShare Offer A Medicare Supplement?
Liberty HealthShare allows members aged 65 and older to join any of its three plans, though they require a higher monthly contribution. However, it does not provide a Medicare supplement equivalent plan. Medi-Share, on the other hand, does not accept applicants who are 65 or older. To assist seniors, Liberty HealthShare offers a free Medicare checklist aimed at helping those approaching 65 make informed healthcare decisions. This checklist aligns with the organization's objective to empower seniors regarding their health options.
Liberty HealthShare supports members already enrolled in Medicare, which is the national health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older. For those enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, Liberty Assist is available as an affordable sharing option. This program allows members to share the difference between the Medicare allowable amounts for eligible expenses. In addition, Liberty HealthShare provides several programs designed for households of varying sizes, allowing them to manage medical expenses in alternative ways.
While not considered Qualified Health Plans under the Affordable Care Act, they offer various discounts and benefits tailored to the needs of their members aged 65 and older. Overall, Liberty HealthShare has made efforts to support Medicare beneficiaries through its programs and resources.
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Financial expert, Dave Ramsey, highlights Christian Healthcare Ministries on his radio show, The Dave Ramsey Show.
I’ve had them for 5 years. They say they take up to 6 months to pay however, I have claims close to a year that have not been paid. I now have debt collectors after me because Liberty does not pay in a timely manner. Hopefully, my credit rating will not suffer because of this but it IS heading that way!
They keep increasing the monthly share amount. For me, this is secondary insurance. In October my premium will increase from $250 to $400 a month. I feel betrayed (whether or not it’s rational to feel that way… doesn’t matter) as I have been a member from the very beginning and only submitted for two relatively small expenses. I’ve contributed A LOT to this cost-sharing program and asked for almost nothing in return. It was a great program at the beginning but the growth is out-pacing the ability to serve their contributors.
If you are perusal this article chances are you are having issues with Liberty…many are. They are currently paying bills at 12 months plus and many longer…I have reported their problems to the Ohio Attorney General the last time I checked public information they had 281 claims and that was before this past week. I have a claim outstanding and they told my provider they could not pay the bill…I doubt they ever will even though it is up for sharing. I hope I am wrong. My biggest concern is for the people whose credit is being destroyed and are really hurting. Please do diligence when you choose your health sharing partner. They will give you the run around and do not do anything. Please contact your state attorney general your US Reps and Senators and The Ohio Attorney general if you are being affected by Liberty not paying….God helps those who help themselves
Oh wow. Sorry youre all having issues. My husband had a stent but in, i asked for the uninsured amount at hospital, this is Discounted 90% We Paid the 15k up front (uninsured amount) & got reimbursed within four months from LHS. I found many local practices in my area (VA) who will bill to them, we havent had an issue, very straight forward. Some places who dont accept it give us the self pay amount, we pay the $75-$100 discounted price up front & then submit it. Its not real hard. Once a hospital billed us for $9k for an mri, LHS hired an atty & settled on a lower amount. Ive learned from that, We dont go to a hospital for mammograms or mri’s, go to a free standing place. Same thing, i pay the self pay amount & submit receipts / medical records etc. They put towards my ‘unshared amount’. Members 6 years or more. I do understand how it works & their guidelines so i don’t expect to hand their card over & expect to do nothing. You have to be involved in it too. Its not insurance, remember youre using dr’s u want & negotiating pricing then sharing your expenses with members. I email & get a response within 24 hrs or so & have no issues getting thru when i call. Ive have the run around worse from major insurance companies in the past. Good luck to you all.