A Simpler, More Affordable Approach to Healthcare

For decades, Americans have been told there are only two choices for healthcare. You can pay rising premiums for traditional insurance, or you can rely on government programs that grow bigger and more expensive every year. But there’s actually a third option—one that’s already helping families save thousands of dollars: medical sharing plans.

Both faith-based and secular organizations offer medical sharing plans. They allow members to help cover each other’s medical expenses voluntarily. Instead of sending premiums into a large bureaucracy, families share costs directly. This approach puts healthcare decisions back in the hands of patients, not insurance companies or government agencies.

The cost difference is hard to ignore. Many Montana families pay $1,800 to $2,400 per month for unsubsidized insurance. Others pay $400 to $700 for subsidized plans. But subsidies don’t lower the real cost of healthcare. They shift that cost onto taxpayers, many of whom are already struggling to get by.

In a subsidy system, people are forced to help pay for someone else’s insurance through higher taxes. Medical sharing works differently. It also involves people helping each other—but by choice, not force. Participation is voluntary. Support is given freely. That difference matters.

With medical sharing, members contribute a monthly “share” instead of a premium. When someone needs care, eligible expenses are paid from those shared contributions. The process is simple, transparent, and community-driven.

While in the past, medical sharing plans were limited in scope. That’s no longer true. Some sharing plans now include preventive care such as mammograms, prostate exams, colon cancer screenings, routine checkups, and telehealth services. Families get meaningful coverage without the high cost of traditional insurance.

Faith-based sharing plans require members to follow Christian values. Expenses that conflict with those beliefs are not shared. For many Christian families, this is a benefit. These plans also provide personal support, prayer, and encouragement during difficult times.

Secular sharing plans do not require a statement of faith. They still expect accountability and responsible participation. Many offer preventive care, telehealth, and Health Savings Account options. While they may cost slightly more than faith-based plans, they are still far more affordable than insurance.

Traditional insurance, by contrast, comes with high premiums, confusing networks, pre-authorizations, and denied claims. Deductibles are often so high that families delay care or skip it altogether.

Medical sharing plans are not perfect. They are not insurance, and like traditional insurance, they may not cover every situation. Pre-existing conditions may be limited at first. That’s why people should talk directly with plan representatives to understand what is covered and whether a plan fits their needs.

I’m not offering medical advice. I’m simply pointing out that alternatives exist. My family uses a medical sharing plan that includes preventive care, telehealth, and a Health Savings Account. It has worked very well for us.

Montanans don’t need more mandates because mandates, regulations, and special-interest influence have driven up costs and limited competition. We need more choices. Medical sharing plans lower costs, encourage responsibility, and give families control over their healthcare.

It’s time to stop pretending traditional insurance is the only option. For many families, medical sharing plans are a smart and proven solution.