What is a Monthly Share Amount?

A "monthly share" in Medi-Share is the amount members contribute each month to a shared account. This account is used to pay eligible medical expenses for other members, reflecting the community-driven, faith-based model of Medi-Share. The monthly share varies based on factors like age, household size, and the chosen Annual Household Portion (AHP). Members deposit their share into a personal sharing account, which is then used to assist others in the network with their medical bills. This system emphasizes mutual support and aligns with Christian principles of sharing burdens.

How Monthly Share Amounts Are Determined

The amount your family contributes as a monthly share is influenced by several key factors:

1. Age of Family Members
   Older individuals generally contribute higher shares because health care costs tend to increase with age.

2. Household Size
   A larger household (e.g., a family with children) will typically have a higher share amount than a single individual or a couple. However, the contribution amount accounts for the number of people under the family’s care.

3. Annual Household Portion (AHP)
   The AHP is the dollar amount a Member Household pays toward their eligible medical bills during a 12-month period before their bills are processed for sharing. Higher AHP levels reduce your monthly share amounts. For instance:

   • A higher AHP, such as $12,000, may lower your monthly share to a smaller range (e.g., $150-$250).
   • A lower AHP, such as $3,000, increases your monthly share but means less out-of-pocket expenses before medical cost sharing starts.

4. Health Incentives
   Families can qualify for reduced monthly shares by meeting certain health metrics, such as maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure levels.

Example of Costs for a Family

To illustrate, consider the following family scenario:

• A family of four (parents in their early 40s, two children)
• Selected AHP of $6,000 (middle-tier option)

Monthly Share Estimate: The family might contribute $650-$850 per month, reflecting their size, ages, and AHP selection. Families can explore costs byusing Medi-Share's pricing calculator.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of How Medi-Share Works for Medical Expenses

Here’s how a family might use Medi-Share in real life:

1. Contributing Monthly Shares
   Each month, the family deposits their predetermined share amount into a personal sharing account. This amount is pooled with contributions from other Medi-Share members.

2. Visiting a Medical Provider
   During a doctor’s appointment, the family presents their Medi-Share membership card to the healthcare provider. Medi-Share works with networks of preferred providers (First Health and PHCS) to offer discounted rates.

3. AHP and Medical Bills

   • If the family has not yet met their $6,000 AHP, they pay for expenses directly. These payments go toward meeting their AHP for the year.
   • Once the AHP is reached, eligible medical expenses are shared by the Medi-Share community. For instance, if their child requires an unexpected surgery costing $20,000, Medi-Share would cover a significant portion of this after the family’s AHP is met.

4. Regular Payments & Sharing Activity
   The family’s sharing account allows them to directly see how their monthly contributions are helping other members pay their medical bills, reinforcing community support.

Why It Might Work for Your Family

Medi-Share can be an excellent option for families who value affordability, flexibility, and a faith-focused approach to medical expenses. By allowing you to choose your AHP and offering significant discounts through its network, it ensures you have control. Plus, the opportunity to give and receive within a supportive community creates a meaningful alternative to conventional health plans.

If you’re ready to explore options for your family, Medi-Share provides calculators and guides to personalize your plan and ensure it aligns with your budget and health care needs.