Across the country, families are feeling the weight of rising healthcare costs in deeply personal ways, and we know you are, too. Whether it's budgeting for a child’s checkup or navigating care for a chronic condition, the financial pressure is real — and growing. At Medi-Share, we’re committed to walking alongside you through these challenges, offering a faith-focused, community-based approach that continues to provide meaningful support in uncertain times.
How Did We Get Here?
Healthcare spending in the U.S. reached nearly $4.9 trillion in 2023, a 7.5% increase from the previous year. That’s about $14,570 per person — a staggering figure that reflects not just inflation, but a complex mix of factors including increased demand for care, higher provider fees, and the expiration of pandemic-era federal funding. Costs have surged across the board, especially in hospital care and prescription drugs, underscoring the growing financial burden on individuals and families.
Traditional insurers and healthcare sharing programs alike have been forced to propose premium hikes for 2026, with some plans or programs increasing by more than 20%. For the 24 million people utilizing Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace coverage, this could mean difficult choices and deeper financial strain.
The Human Impact
Behind these numbers are real stories — families delaying care, seniors stretching fixed incomes, and individuals managing chronic conditions without the support they need. The emotional toll of navigating a complex and expensive healthcare system often compounds the physical challenges. We hear you, and we see you.
What’s Driving the Increase?
Several key factors are fueling the rise in healthcare costs:
- Prescription Drug Costs: High-priced medications, especially new treatments for diabetes and weight loss, are contributing significantly to spending.
- Hospital Consolidation: Mergers reduce competition, often leading to higher service fees.
- Medical Technology and Innovation: While beneficial, advanced treatments come with hefty price tags.
- Chronic Disease Burden: Preventable conditions continue to strain the system.
- Administrative Complexity: The fragmented nature of the U.S. healthcare system adds layers of overhead that drive up prices.
While many of these cost drivers affect traditional insurance plans, Medi-Share places a greater emphasis on personal responsibility for health and wellness. For example, our community does not share in the cost of elective treatments like weight loss drugs, which have become a major expense in traditional insurance plans. This helps keep our shared costs more focused and more manageable.
How Medi-Share is Keeping Costs Down
At Medi-Share, we’re taking proactive steps to help our members navigate these challenges:
- Direct Provider Relationships: We’re developing direct relationships with providers that include negotiated rates.
- Care Management Advocacy: Our team advocates for members to ensure they receive the best care at the best value.
- Operational Improvements: Investments in operational efficiency reduce the time needed to pay provider bills, resulting in better pricing.
- Provider Portal: Our new provider portal enables efficient communication and greater satisfaction in the provider community.
State-by-State Differences
Where you live also plays a role. In states like Mississippi, residents spend nearly 19% of their income on healthcare, compared to just over 9% in Maryland (Source: WalletHub). These disparities are shaped by local policies, provider availability, and income levels, but the burden is felt nationwide.
Our Commitment to You
For more than 30 years, Medi-Share has been a non-profit ministry focused on glorifying God and helping people. We’ve fulfilled our mission to share every eligible medical need and remain the only healthcare sharing ministry accredited by the independent Healthcare Sharing Accreditation Board (HCSB). This recognition reflects our strong financial stewardship, ethical operations, and member-focused service.
We’ll continue to:
- Keep Christ at the center of all we do
- Advocate on your behalf
- Work to keep costs down
- Communicate transparently
- Serve with excellence
Looking Ahead with Hope
We know these economic changes aren’t easy. But we also know that being part of a community like Medi-Share means you’re not facing them alone. Our model is built on shared biblical values, prayerful support, and a commitment to stewarding our health and resources wisely. As we navigate this evolving landscape together, we remain focused on what matters most: helping you access the care you need, when you need it, with compassion and clarity.
