MediShare in Colorado
Healthcare Sharing Program
Request a Quote and Join Now!
With more than 250,000 members nationwide, and tens of thousands of members in Colorado, MediShare is one of the most powerful health sharing plans doing business in the Rocky Mountain State.
First founded in 1992 MediShare was the first nationally-accredited health sharing organization in the United States. Since then, MediShare has helped members share more than $1.7 billion dollars in medical bills and counting.
Currently, MediShare currently enjoys a 98% customer satisfaction rating – more than twice the average customer service rate for the industry.
MediShare Uses a Christian Approach in Colorado
As a healthsharing ministry organization, MediShare is overtly Christian, and takes a Biblical approach to healthcare. All MediShare members agree to live by Biblical standards, to agree to help share each other’s medical burdens, and to regularly attend and actively support a fellowship of believers.
MediShare’s approach to health sharing is based on the Book of Acts, where the Apostles shared what they had as they carried out their Great Commission to spread the word of Christ.
With MediShare, your money is never used to pay for procedures that do not align with your values.
Why Consider MediShare in Colorado?
This is especially important for the millions of Colorado residents who don’t receive an Affordable Care Act subsidy for policies bought via the Connect For Health Colorado exchange.
MediShare members receive significant cost sharing benefits, but at up to 50% less than the monthly cost of an average unsubsidized Connect For Health Colorado traditional insurance policy.
- Average unsubsidized cost of an ACA-qualified traditional health insurance plan in Colorado: $1200. (Source: Kaiser Family Foundation, 2022).
- MediShare Average monthly contribution for a family: $350. (Source: MediShare).
MediShare plans don’t qualify for an ACA subsidy. But the cost savings frequently makes MediShare and healthsharing in general a compelling value.
How does MediShare Work in Colorado?
Each month, you’ll be expected to deposit a set amount of money into a special account. MediShare will debit your account as needed and use your money to pay the medical bills of other MediShare members in need.
When you have a medical need, and need to see a doctor or other health care provider, you will present your MediShare Member ID card to your service provider. Inform your provider you’re a cash payer and ask for any discounted rates for cash pay patients.
You’ll also pay a provider fee of $35 ($200 for ER visits).
Your provider will then send your bill to MediShare, where their staff will negotiate for discounts available through the Preferred Provider organization, as applicable.
At this stage, MediShare also verifies that your medical expense qualifies for sharing under your chosen plan.
Once you meet your annual household portion (AHP), the amount of money you must pay for medical care out-of-pocket before your medical expenses become shareable, MediShare will approve your bill for sharing by other members.
At that point, MediShare will debit the accounts of other members in the plan and pay your medical bills, according to your plan. In effect, your eligible medical bills will be paid with money received directly from another member.
Note that your provider fee does not count toward your AHP.
MediShare Advantages for Colorado
MediShare offers several advantages compared to a typical Affordable Care Act-qualified health insurance plan you might purchase over the Connect For Health Colorado exchange:
Year-round availability
With MediShare, you don’t have to wait for an open enrollment period. You can sign up for MediShare at any time during the year.
Discounts
MediShare members can get discounts on prescription drugs, laboratory services, imaging, vision, hearing, and dental services.
24/7 Access to Live Virtual Care Providers
For non-emergency care, members have 24/7 free access to providers via
telephone or video call. No additional copays or coinsurance required. So you don’t have to worry about costs when you see a doctor via telemedicine
No lifetime caps
Most healthsharing plans have lifetime caps on the amount of medical bills they will approve for sharing. MediShare has no lifetime caps on sharing benefits. However, some caps do apply for pre-existing conditions, maternity costs, motorcycle events, and during the first month of membership.
Request a Colorado MediShare Quote and Join Now!
Join the hundreds of thousands of members that have discovered MediShare works for their family’s healthcare needs. Fill in the form below to get a quote!
- You’ll be asked to enter some basic information about your age, your spouse’s age (if any), your location, and the size of your household. Just follow the prompts at each screen.
- Click View Quotes
- Pick your start date, Confirm your zip code, date of birth, and number of people to be covered.
- Choose what Annual Household Portion you would like. This is the amount you pay before Medishare starts paying the bills. You can choose $3000, $6000, $9000, or $12000.
- If you are a member of a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice, you can choose the Direct Primary Care option which will also reimburse you up to $1800 for your DPC fees.
- Highlight the plan you want, then go to the bottom of the page, and fill in the fields you see.
- You’ll be taken to another page to enter the name and info of everyone that will be enrolling.
- After submitting this information, you’ll receive an email directing you how to make payment, and submit any further information that MediShare may need.
Questions? Call us today, and a Personal Benefits Manager will walk you through the process.
Download the Medishare Brochure to know more!
MediShare Colorado Frequently Asked Questions
How does MediShare handle pre-existing conditions in Colorado?
Like other healthsharing plans, MediShare does not generally share expenses relating to treatment of pre-existing conditions right away.
If you have a pre-existing condition, MediShare may impose a waiting period before you can receive coverage for that particular condition. This waiting period can range from 6 months to 60 months, depending on the condition.
Bills related to pre-existing conditions are only sharable as follows:
- MediShare will share up to $100,000 per Member per plan year in Colorado once you have been sharing for 36 consecutive months, and;
- MediShare will share up to $500,000 per Member per plan year in Colorado once you have been sharing for 60 consecutive months.
There are also some pre-existing conditions that MediShare does not cover at all. These include:
- HIV/AIDS
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia nervosa
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Alcohol or drug abuse or addiction
Strategy tip: If you or a member of your household has a significant pre-existing condition and you need it covered right away, you might consider choosing a traditional Affordable Care Act-qualified health insurance plan available via the Connect for Health Colorado exchange, at least for the individual(s) with the pre-existing conditions.
You can choose traditional health insurance for one member of the household and MediShare for the other members, in order to take advantage of healthsharing’s cost savings compared to traditional insurance, while still maintaining coverage for the pre-existing condition.
For help structuring a health plan around your individual family’s needs and budget, schedule a free consultation with a ColoHealth Personal Benefits Manager.
Does MediShare include prescription drug coverage in Colorado?
MediShare does offer some prescription drug benefits as part of its healthcare cost-sharing program. However, since MediShare is not a Colorado health insurance company, the prescription drug coverage is not insurance, and has some limitations.
With MediShare in Colorado, prescription drug benefits are limited to the following situations:
- Prescription drugs for treatment of acute medical conditions. There is a lifetime six-month limit on prescription drugs per medical condition.
- Prescription drugs for treatment of chronic medical conditions (up to a certain amount, depending on the condition)
- Prescription drugs prescribed by a healthcare provider during a hospital stay
- Prescription drugs prescribed for preventive care (such as vaccines)
There is also a limit on the amount of prescription drug coverage that MediShare provides in Colorado. For chronic medical conditions, MediShare covers up to a certain amount per year, depending on the condition. After that limit is reached, the member is responsible for the remaining cost of the medication.
It’s important to note that MediShare does not cover all prescription drugs, and there may be certain medications that are excluded from coverage. Additionally, MediShare does not cover over-the-counter medications in Colorado.
Can I choose my own doctor or provider with MediShare?
Generally, yes. You can use your MediShare benefits with any provider. That said,
Colorado MediShare members are highly encouraged to use providers from within their preferred provider organization. This organization consists of thousands of Colorado providers who have agreed to provide discounted rates for MediShare members.
You can go outside the network. But if the doctor you choose charges more for a given medical service than what is customary from in-network providers, you may have to pay the difference out of your pocket.
If you use a non-PPO hospital or other facility, you will have an additional responsibility of 20% of the total charges. This additional responsibility is over and above your annual household portion.
This additional responsibility may be waived in the event of a life-threatening emergency, or if you live more than 25 miles from the nearest PPO network provider.
Does MediShare include cancer treatment in Colorado?
Generally, yes. Unlike other healthsharing organizations, MediShare does not impose a “cancer waiting period” before bills related to cancer treatment become shareable.
Under MediShare, cancer treatment costs for newly-diagnosed cancers are fully-shareable, subject to your annual household portion (AHP) and your $35 provider fee per visit ($200 for ER visits).
These shareable costs include charges for surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment, as well as the attendant hospital costs.
However, to be shareable, the cancer must not have been listed in your medical records as a pre-existing condition within the 36 months previous to your joining the plan.
Does MediShare include mental health care?
MediShare’s benefits for mental health care are limited compared to most traditional medical insurance policies. However, all members have access to free 24/7 short-term counseling services through their telehealth program.
Beyond that, however, MediShare does not share costs related to psychiatric/psychological treatment or care.
Does MediShare cover routine preventative and maintenance care?
Generally not. In order to keep monthly costs as low as possible. MediShare focuses their approach on sharing large unexpected or catastrophic costs. You’ll be expected to cover smaller routine and predictable needs out of your own pocket.
However, if you want a great healthcare experience, MediShare healthsharing plans pair very well with direct primary care plans. These complement MediShare’s catastrophic benefits by allowing members access to unlimited routine and primary care visits, all for a very low, predictable monthly fee.
We’ve helped thousand of people find health insurance or a health sharing plan.
Each customer gets the same amazing service.
Paula M. (CO)
“It was so easy to sign up with Misty's help. I've told many friends about my experience and have shared Misty's contact with them.”
Liner, M. (UT)
“I am Allyson’s stepmother who found and arranged her insurance with Leslie. I want to commend her for being so easy to work with and so clear in her explanations. She was able to get the information from Allyson easily. I wish all insurance people were as helpful.”
Health Insurance Instant Quote
HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION
- Plans approved and authorized under the Affordable Care Act
- Covers Pre-Existing conditions
- Low cost subsidized plans available to those earning
< 400% of the federal poverty level - Unlimited lifetime benefits
- Available during open enrollment (November 1 – January 15), or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period
How to Choose an HSA-Qualified Health Plan
HSA plans are simple and easy to understand. If you need some basic information on how Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) work, visit our HSA page.
A relatively small percentage of health insurance plans are HSA-eligibile. If you are looking at health insurance quotes through our quote engine, HSA plans will be noted.
While HSAs are typically associated with insurance plans, ColoHealth also offers a partially self-directed HSA combined with a healthshare program through MPowering Benefits. Health care sharing programs are not insurance; instead, they pay formedical expenses in a different way. Members pay monthly contributions, and that money is pooled together to pay for its members’ qualifying medical expenses.
Health share programs offer significant savings, one of their biggest appeals and one of the reasons why there are now more than a million people who have joined a health share program. However, they aren’t for everyone. If you have a pre-existing condition or are currently going to the doctor often, medicare cost sharing programs might not be the right fit for you.
When you are ready to choose a plan, follow the directions below. It usually takes no more than 10 minutes or so to choose the best plan for your needs.
1. Get an Instant Quote.
Our instant quote engine can rapidly show you the available plans in your area, so that you can get an overall feel of what premiums will be for the different HSA plans.
To see just the HSA health insurance plans, change the “Plan Type” on the Customize Search tab at the top of the page to “HSA”. Note that not all insurance companies and plans are available in all areas.
The healthshare program that works with an HSA is very attractively-priced, particularly if you do not qualify for a health insurance subsidy.
Get an Instant HSA Health Insurance Quote
Get an Instant HSA Healthshare Quote
2. Compare premiums/monthly contribution amounts.
This will quickly give you a feel for which companies are most competitive in your area.
3. You may want to consider adding an $100 deductible accident policy. Stand-alone accident plans can be viewed on our Accident Plans page. Because these accident plans are very inexpensive, you may be able to keep your premiums lower while greatly reducing your exposure for the type of claim you’re most likely to need your health insurance for – an accident.
4. With both health insurance and most health sharing plans you may want to check the insurance company’s PPO or HMO network to see which doctors and hospitals are considered in-network providers. The link to each plan’s PPO or HMO network can be found on that company’s page on our site.
Note that some healthshare programs do not use a network, and allow you to see any doctor of your choice.
How to Apply for Coverage
Applying for HSA health insurance and establishing an HSA is quick and easy. Most companies allow you to apply online. Or you may simply print out an application and fax it to us at 866-284-0082, or mail in your application to the address below.
Apply Online
The easiest and most efficient way to apply for an HSA plan is online through a secure online application. This will enable you to avoid the hassles of filling out a paper application and will speed up the process by instantly transmitting your information directly to the insurance company. The application usually takes about 10 minutes to complete.
You may apply online by running instant quotes, and apply online for most plans we offer right from the quoting system's results page. Or simply select the apply online link below for the plan you are interested in.
If you are interested in a healthshare plan, you can get a quote on the MPowering Benefits HSA-qualified health share plan, and apply online.
Mail or Fax an Application
You can download an application for the plan you are interested in, print it out, fill in all the required information, and then either fax it to us toll-free at (866) 284-0082 or mail it to us at the address below.
What Happens After You Apply
When you apply for a health insurance plan through Colohealth, we immediately submit the information. We monitor your application during the whole process, and keep you informed. We use our experience and connections to make sure your policy gets issued as quickly as possible. If any additional information is needed, we’ll let you know. We will inform you as soon as you’ve been approved, and make sure you’re happy with your coverage.
We're Here to Help
As you've probably noticed, our website is comprehensive and should answer most of your questions. However, if you need personal assistance, we are happy to help. Simply pick up the phone and call us, or if you are already in communication with one of our Personal Benefit Managers, you can contact them directly.
If you’re unsure, you may want to schedule a telephone consultation before you sign up for a plan. We will help you fully analyze all your options, let you know the pros and cons of the various plans you are considering, and give you our professional opinion about which plans will best meet your needs. We’ll then help you get enrolled with the plan you choose.
How to Establish Your Health Savings Account
Once you have applied, you'll want to go ahead and set up your Health Savings Account. You are not required to establish an HSA, but by funding the account as soon as possible you'll be able to take advantage of the tax deductions and tax-deferred growth HSAs offer.
To establish your HSA, follow the steps below:
- Choose the bank or trustee you would like to administer your HSA.
- Fund your account no later than April 15th for the previous year.
- Decide how you want that money invested.
- Decide on a strategy for when you’re going to make withdrawals (see the How to Maximize Your Tax Benefits section below).
How to Maximize Your Tax Benefits
An HSA plan is really a pretty simple concept. You have a high-deductible health insurance plan you hope to never use, but if something big does happen, it will protect your assets and cover your medical expenses. There are a few things that can make a big difference in how much money you spend and how much money you accumulate in your account.
There are basically three different strategies on how to fund your HSA.
- Put no money in the account, except when you incur a medical expense. This strategy allows you to legally "launder" any money used to pay medical expenses. In other words, by depositing money into your HSA, then immediately withdrawing it to reimburse yourself for medical expenses, you are making your medical expenses all tax-deductible. You may want to use this strategy if you are on a tight budget and want to keep your cash outlay as low as possible.
- Fully fund the account, or at least put in as much as possible based on your budget. Take money out of the account any time medical expenses are incurred, and let the rest grow tax-deferred. This strategy will maximize your tax deduction, while making your HSA funds available to pay any non-covered medical expenses before your deductible is met.
- Fully fund the account, but pay all medical expenses from a non-HSA account. Reimburse yourself for medical expenses at a later date. This strategy will allow you to maximize your tax deduction and the tax-deferred growth of your HSA. You can then reimburse yourself, tax-free, at any time in the future for medical expenses incurred over the ensuing years.
To maximize the potential growth of your funds, you may want to make your HSA deposits as early in the year as possible. Any growth in your account is tax-deferred, like an IRA.
Take Full Advantage of Your HSA
Don't forget that every time you fund your account you get an instant tax deduction. When you offset the tax savings against your premiums, your net cost for an HSA plan can be very low.
The maximum allowable contribution goes up every year with the Consumer Price Index. If you are contributing to your account for 2024, the individual contribution limit is $4,150, and the family limit is $8,300. In 2025, that limit is $4,300 for individuals and $8,550 for families.
Review your options.
Rate increases for plans happen only in January, so make sure to review your options every year during open enrollment to make sure they’re still the best choice for you. Even if you switch to a plan without an HSA, the account and money are still yours to use; however, you simply can’t contribute to it anymore until you’re under another HSA-qualified plan
Often, people keep their plan much longer than they should, and end up paying much more than they should. If your rates go up, you can compare a wide variety of plans on our Instant Quote System. If you have your coverage through ColoHealth, we automatically do this analysis of available plans for you any time we are notified of rate increases.
Whether you pick an HSA with an insurance plan or a health share plan, HSAs plans are a great way to protect yourself while saving tax-deferred money. If you have any questions or would like to review your options, reach out to your Personal Benefits Manager or give us a call. We’d love to chat and help you through the process.
Healthshare Instant Quote
HEALTH COST-SHARING INFORMATION
- Not health insurance, but a way for like-minded individuals to share medical expenses
- Waiting periods on pre-existing conditions
- May exclude sharing for certain conditions or activities
- Enroll any time
- Much lower monthly cost than unsubsidized health insurance
MediShare Colorado Reviews
Note: Your email will not be displayed - for verification purposes only
Faith in Action
I love how Medi-Share integrates faith into healthcare. Knowing believers are helping one another is inspiring. It makes healthcare meaningful.
Trusted for Years
I’ve been with Medi-Share for over five years, and they’ve always been dependable. The community aspect makes me feel connected. I wouldn’t switch.
Couldn't ask for more, recommending this!
MediShare has been a blessing for my family! The costs are much lower than traditional insurance, and we’ve received excellent support whenever we needed care. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a faith-based alternative.
Satisfied with affordability
MediShare has been a blessing for my family! The costs are much lower than traditional insurance, and we’ve received excellent support whenever we needed care. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a faith-based alternative.
Disappointed!
MediShare sounded like a good alternative to traditional insurance, but it’s been disappointing. The lack of coverage for preventive care and delays in payment have made it less beneficial than we’d hoped.
It's a good option
I recently joined MediShare and have had a mostly positive experience. The monthly costs are affordable, and I appreciate the community-based sharing model. Signing up was easy, and customer service has been helpful. My only issue is the limited provider network in my area, but overall, it offers peace of mind for major medical expenses. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to traditional insurance.
A Financially Wise Health Investment
MediShare has proven to be a financially wise health investment for me. The substantial cost savings, coupled with the comprehensive coverage, have made my experience genuinely positive. The ease of navigating the system and significantly reducing my healthcare expenses make MediShare a top choice for anyone seeking a sensible and budget-friendly health plan.
Transparent and Straightforward Health Sharing
Choosing MediShare was a game-changer for me. The transparency in cost-sharing and straightforward approach to health sharing make it a standout option. I appreciate the clarity in understanding my financial responsibilities and the support I receive from fellow members. Being part of a health-sharing community that values openness and simplicity is refreshing.
Reliable Health Coverage
I recently switched to MediShare and couldn’t be happier with the cost savings and coverage it provides. The monthly contribution is significantly lower than traditional insurance, making it a sensible choice for someone like me in their mid-30s. The peace of mind that comes with knowing I have reliable health protection without breaking the bank is invaluable.
Good Health Protection
I’m impressed with the value for money that MediShare offers. The substantial cost-sharing benefits combined with a monthly contribution that’s a fraction of traditional insurance plans make it a smart financial choice. The coverage is comprehensive, and the savings are real – MediShare truly delivers on its promise of affordable health protection.
Community-Centric Healthcare at Its Best
MediShare has exceeded my expectations in terms of community support and cost savings. Being part of a health-sharing ministry has not only lowered my monthly healthcare expenses but also connected me with a like-minded community. The sense of belonging and the shared commitment to each other’s well-being make MediShare a standout choice for affordable and community-centric healthcare.
Easy to Work With
I’ve been a member of Medi-Share for three years, and I couldn’t be happier. Whenever I’ve had a question or concern, their customer service team has been quick to respond and very helpful. Filing sharing requests has been a breeze, and I’ve never had any issues with coverage.
Since it’s healthsharing and not insurance, I know that the company shares my pro-life values. Which is more than I can say for regular insurance companies.
What’s more, with Medi-Share,I feel like I’m part of a caring community that truly wants to help each other. Highly recommend Medi-Share to others!
Not Worth the Hassle
I joined Medi-Share hoping to save money on healthcare costs, but it’s been nothing but a headache. Finding providers that accept their program is a challenge, and I’ve had multiple sharing requests denied for various reasons.
The lack of transparency and consistency in their decision-making is frustrating.
Yes, I save money every month compared to health insurance premiums. But unless they improve, I’m not sure if the savings are worth the hassle.
I had Netwell a few years back, and might be switching back to them.
I know I’m never going back to traditional insurance!
Good, but not Perfect
Overall, Medi-Share has been a good alternative to traditional health insurance. Their cost-sharing model has saved me a lot of money over the years. Also, when I had twins last year, their maternity benefits turned out to be Godsend!
However, I have had a few frustrating experiences with their sharing request process.
It can be a bit confusing, and sometimes it takes longer than I would like to get reimbursed.
Nevertheless, the savings are worth it to me… especially now that we’re a family of four!