Why is there a Health Partnership program?
Medi-Share members voted in 2003 to allow applicants with increased health risks to participate in a Health Partnership program rather than be ineligible for Medi-Share membership. Research shows certain conditions can be reversed or prevented through therapeutic lifestyle changes. By reversing and/or preventing certain diseases, people are able to live healthier and fuller lives.
When the overall Medi-Share membership is healthier, Medi-Share becomes even more affordable for our members as a health care alternative.
Beyond the goal of making Medi-Share an affordable option for as many people as possible, we also believe that God calls us to steward our bodies well, honoring His temple with the lifestyle choices we make.
How do I begin my Health Partnership journey?
Your health portal is where you will start your journey. Here you will create a personal wellness vision, set goals, track your activity, food intake, weight, and other important health markers. The health portal provides key content and courses designed to support you in achieving your goals. As you progress through the resources, you will gain access to Health Coaches to supplement what you are learning. As soon as you meet the graduation requirements, submit your metric and lab results to
health@medishare.com for review, in order to have the fee removed.
What kind of support is included in the online Health Portal?
- Health Coaching for goal setting and accountability
- Meal plans and nutrition guides created by a Registered Dietitian
- Exercise plans designed by certified personal trainers
- Exclusive online health education portal from a Biblical foundation
- Fitness wearable devices and fitness challenges
What can I expect if I choose to work with a health coach?
Your health portal is where you will start your journey. As you progress through the resources, you will gain access to Health Coaches to supplement what you are learning.
Coaching calls will be scheduled for follow up at key points in your program. You can select the coaching topic ahead of time to further personalize your journey.
Who is eligible to appeal the Health Partnership Program?
Medi-Share Applicants or Members who are in the Health Partnership program for hypertension, high cholesterol or have an athletic build may submit metrics for review to appeal the program. If you omitted metrics or want to provide updated metrics or labs, Health and Wellness department will review your details, once you submit this form.
- High blood pressure that is medicated or un-medicated and in an optimal range. Optimal range for blood pressure is according to the AHA.
- High cholesterol that is medicated or un-medicated and is in a normal range. Normal range for cholesterol is according to the CDC.
- Muscular or athletic builds, may require a more detailed calculation than BMI (body mass index). If you omitted the additional measurements during the application that are used to calculate body composition, please use the form above to submit those measurements.
How do I graduate and have the fee removed?
Gather self-reported weight, waist, blood pressure verification and lab work for cholesterol and HbA1c demonstrating that you have achieved the Health Partnership goals using this form. Submit to health@medishare.com for review, in order to have the fee removed.
What happens if there is more than one Health Partner in the same household?
The Health Partnership program has one $99 fee for the entire household. The fee is removed when all Health Partners graduate from the program.
Do I have to get labs and/or go to my Doctor?
Health Partners are required to verify and submit laboratory results in order to graduate, as well as by the anniversary of your graduation, until your Annual Verification timeframe has been completed. If you do not already have an inexpensive means of obtaining a venous blood draw, please consider using a direct access Laboratory.
The Cholesterol Panel and HbA1c/A1c/Glycohemoglobin cost should be less than $60. Your lab work is a cost that you will be responsible for as members do not share in well-patient laboratory work, including when you pre-pay for lab discounts. These discounted services are not part of our PPO network and the savings are usually only available when you pay upfront and a doctor is not involved.
The verification form for height, weight, waist size, and Blood Pressure can be witnessed by a family member who knows or understands how to properly measure. You can also use a medical professional such as a: Fire Fighter, EMT, Chiropractor, RN, NP, CPT, etc. Complete instructions are included on the form.
What if I don't achieve the goals?
The online resources and coaching support we offer have an excellent track record for successfully helping members graduate. The $99 fee remains in place until the Health Partner(s) is able to reach the goals outlined in the agreement, regardless of how long it takes. This fee enables members to continue to access the support materials long-term to help them reach their goals.