For more and more Americans, traditional health insurance just isn’t cutting it anymore. A 2023 study from ValuePenguin found that Colorado health insurance premiums increased more than 19% compared to last year – the 2nd biggest increase in the U.S.
With fewer options on the table and ever-climbing rates, it’s a wonder that anybody can find a decent healthcare plan at all. Colorado healthshare plans can help!
Colorado health sharing plans are a viable, low-cost alternative that is changing the game for a lot of people. Unlike health insurance, healthshare plans have the built-in flexibility to make sure that everybody can afford reliable, legitimate healthcare protection.
If you’re new to the concept of health care sharing ministries or you simply don’t know which plan to choose, you’ve come to the right place. We’re looking at the best health care cost sharing plans in Colorado, while tossing in a few extra tips to help you find the right plan.
Ready to learn more about Colorado healthshare plans? Click here to compare rates.
Even with the expanded special enrolment period, traditional health insurance is not for everyone. If you’re looking to ditch your overpriced, overcomplicated health insurance plan for something even better, then keep on reading. With a Colorado health sharing plan, it’s possible to not only save money on healthcare every month, but also simplify the way that you stay happy and healthy.
Q: What is health care cost sharing? [Healthshare definition]
Health care cost sharing, or a “Healthshare plan”, is a low-cost alternative to traditional health insurance.
Healthshare programs allow like-minded individuals to pool their resources to share the cost of health expenses. But since it’s not technically insurance, health sharing plans are allowed to be both more flexible and more affordable.
In Colorado, there are a number of great health sharing programs available to choose from, including OneShare Health, Altrua HealthShare, HSA Secure, and Medi-share.
How does health sharing work?
Both in Colorado and across the country, healthshare plans work similarly to insurance. The member pays a monthly Contribution in exchange for cost-sharing benefits, similar to a health insurance premium.
Members also have a minimum dollar amount that they must pay out-of-pocket before their cost-sharing benefits kick in. This works just like an insurance deductible, and can vary significantly based on which plan you choose.
Q: Is health sharing the same as Christian based health insurance?
Most health care cost sharing plans are offered by Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSM).
These are faith-based groups that are dedicated to making medical care more affordable, using the Biblical ideals of compassion and sharing as a guide. As a result, many healthshare plans require that members sign a Statement of Faith that is based in Christian theology.
But not all healthshare plans have strict religious membership requirements. HSA Secure is an example of a more modern medical cost sharing program that does not require affiliation with any specific church.
Q: Is health sharing legal in Colorado?
Yes, health care cost sharing is a 100% legal alternative to health insurance.
But as we mentioned above, healthshare plans are not insurance. That means that there is no federally backed guarantee that your plan will cover your expenses.
Instead, you’re becoming a member of a community that shares the cost of medical care among its members.
Q: What are the best health sharing ministry plans in Colorado?
HSA Secure |
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HSA Secure is unique among Colorado healthshare plans in that it is the only HSA-qualified option. By enrolling in a healthshare plan with HSA Secure, then adding a Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) Plan, members can open and operate a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account (HSA). With an HSA, you can save, grow, and invest pre-tax dollars to use on future health expenses. This isn’t something that you can get with any other healthshare plan in Colorado. |
Altrua |
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With Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Diamond-level plans available, Altrua has a wide array of healthshare options. Their health sharing network includes over 1 million providers nationwide, giving members a ton of doctors, specialists, and hospitals to choose from. |
Medi-Share |
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With a mission based on the Biblical principle of sharing one another’s burdens, Medi-Share is one of the most reputable healthshare plans for members of the Christian faith. Unlike some of the newer healthshare plans in Colorado, Medi-Share requires an active relationship with a church and commitments to live a Biblically-defined lifestyle. |
netWell
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As one of our most popular healthsharing plans, netWell features multiple membership tiers to fit any family’s budget. Highlights include a high $2 million lifetime cost-sharing limit (in their Elite + membership tier), and one of the best maternity cost sharing programs in the industry. Also, You can use netWell with any provider you choose. They also have a “catastrophic” plan that is extremely affordable, and is an ideal match for a direct primary care plan. Overall, netWell is a great choice, especially for young families. |
Oneshare
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Founded in 2018, OneShare Health has shared more than 189 million in member health costs since inception. OneShare offers multiple membership programs: the Classic program comes in three tiers: Basic, Enhanced, and Crown. The Basic tier will share up to $150,000 per medical incident. The Enhanced tier will share up to $250,000 per incident, and the Crown tier will share up to $500,000. The Crown tier also includes maternity benefits, while the Basic and Enhanced tiers do not. OneShare Health also offers a Catastrophic plan, which is designed for maximum affordability. It focuses on major health expenses, and does not include preventive care, wellness visits, or primary care. Urgent Care visits are not shareable, but ER visits are, with a $500 visit fee. OneShare’s Catastrophic plan can be combined with a DPC plan for a broad spectrum, affordable solution. |
DPC Direct
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DPC Direct is an innovative and affordable healthsharing plan specifically designed to dovetail perfectly with a direct primary care (DPC) plan. With a DPC plan, you pay one low monthly membership fee to a primary care doctor’s practice. In return, you get unlimited visits. There’s no insurance company involved. And there’s no additional copay or coinsurance, and no hassle. DPCs are great for primary care services. But they don’t cover hospitalizations, trauma or ER care, surgery, specialist care, or anything that can’t be taken care of in your doctor’s office. DPC Direct is a healthshare plan that picks up right where DPC leaves off: Your DPC plan is there for all your routine, basic, health maintenance needs and minor matters. And the DPC Direct healthsharing plan covers the rest… all the way up to catastrophic health events like ICU stays, surgery, and cancer treatment. To join DPC Direct, you and all family members on the plan must also be enrolled in a DPC plan. |
Sedera
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Unlike many other healthshare programs, Sedera has no religious affiliation or requirement, and welcomes members of all faiths. Sedera offers two primary types of membership: ACCESS+ which is designed for individuals and families up through age 64, and SELECT+, for small businesses and groups with five or more members. Also, Sedera has no network restrictions which means Members are free to select their providers based on personal preference, value, cost, and convenience and there are no “out-of-network” penalties. There is no annual maximum dollar amount or lifetime maximum limits per member, though certain dollar amounts and/or visit limits apply to specific types of medical care and therapies. |
Care+
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The CARE+ plan is based closely on the popular HSA Secure plan, and has nearly all the same features and benefits. It’s also one of the low-cost health plans available. The main difference between CARE+ and HSA secure is that the CARE+ plan does not qualify as a high-deductible health plan. Membership in CARE+ does not allow you to make pre-tax contributions to a Health Savings Account. Because of its cost efficiency and affordability,CARE+ can be a great healtshare solution for anyone who doesn’t get access to an employer-paid healthplan, or anyone who is between jobs. |
Universal Health
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Universal Healthshare is among the most customizable and flexible healthsharing organizations when it comes to plan design. Universal members can choose from up to seven sharing programs available through Universal Health Fellowship, each with different contribution and monthly sharing levels They also offer a budget-friendly HS SmartShare option. This plan is designed for members who want to keep their costs even lower. HS SmartShare offers more limited cost sharing (capped at $27,500 per year) but also has the lowest monthly contribution amount. Universal Health uses the Multiplan/PHCS Practitioner & Ancillary Network with over 700,000 practitioners nationwide. You can use any hospital anywhere in the continental U.S.. However, for non-emergency issues, you must notify the plan in advance. Universal Health is not available in Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington, or any U.S. territories. |
Colorado Healthshare reviews: Let your Personal Benefits Manager be your guide to health care cost sharing
Health care sharing ministries are allowing people in Colorado to save up to 50% over unsubsidized insurance. But it’s important to note that not all healthshare programs are the same, and choosing one is not always easy.
Your Personal Benefits Manager is an expert at medical cost sharing. With a quick no-cost consultation, you can compare rates and membership requirements, making sure that you choose the plan that is the best fit for you and your family.
Call 800-913-6381 to set up an appointment, or click here to schedule online.
Here are some additional articles on healthsharing programs: OneShare Health: The Most Popular Health Sharing Plan in Colorado | The Best Health Sharing Plan in Colorado | Why Health Conscious People are Attracted to Health Sharing Plans | Rocky Mountain Health Plans vs. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Here are some additional pages related to this article: Healthshare Plans in Colorado | Colorado Health Insurance | Which Healthshare Plans in Colorado Allow You to See Any Doctor?
Misty Berryman is a Personal Benefits Manager at ColoHealth. Her aim is to help you make smart and informed healthcare coverage decisions that will fit your needs and budget. Read more about Misty on her Bio page.