What Does a Medical Emergency With Medi-Share Look Like?

Medical emergencies are stressful. In those moments, clarity matters. If you’ve ever wondered:

• What happens if I need to go to the ER?
• Do I need approval first?
• Will my emergency bills be shared?
• What if the hospital doesn’t recognize Medi-Share?

This guide walks you through exactly what to expect, step by step. 

What Should You Do in a Medical Emergency With Medi-Share? 

In a medical emergency, go immediately to the nearest emergency room or call 911. No pre-notification or preauthorization is required for emergency care. Present your Medi-Share Member ID card at registration. After treatment, notify Medi-Share within 72 hours so eligible bills can be reviewed, discounted through the network, and applied toward your Annual Household Portion (AHP) for sharing.

Step-by-Step: What Happens During an Emergency? 

Step 1: Seek Immediate Care 

• Go to the nearest emergency room.
• Call 911 if needed.
• Do not delay treatment.
• No preauthorization is required for emergencies.
• In urgent situations, stabilization and treatment are the priority.

Step 2: Present Your Member ID Card

At hospital check-in:

• Provide your Medi-Share Member ID.
• You will be required to pay a $500 Emergency Room fee.
• If you experience any issues, reinforce that all bills need to be submitted to Medi-Share using the address information on your ID card rather than accepting self  pay discounts.

Step 3: Receive Emergency Treatment  

Doctors and hospital staff will:

• Evaluate your condition.
• Provide stabilization.
• Conduct necessary testing and treatment.
• Recommend follow-up care if required.
• Keep any discharge paperwork for your records.
  

Step 4: Notify Medi-Share After Care

• Notify Medi-Share within 72 hours via the Member Center or by calling Member Services.
• Confirm that bills are being submitted to the address on the back of your card.
• Monitor your Member Portal for updates.
• This helps ensure eligible expenses are reviewed promptly.
  
  

How Are Emergency Medical Bills Handled?

Understanding this step reduces the fear that you will be stuck with everything. 

Bills Are Submitted for Review

After care:

• Providers submit hospital and physician bills.
• In Network discounts are applied to reduce the total bill amount.
• Bills are reviewed according to Medi-Share Guidelines.

Application to Your Annual Household Portion (AHP)

If your Annual Household Portion has not yet been met:

• Eligible emergency expenses apply toward it.
• Remaining eligible expenses may be shared among members, once your AHP is met.

Explanation of Sharing

Members receive:

• Clear documentation (Explanation of Sharing) that explains what portion of the bill, if any, is member responsibility.
• Transparency on what was eligible.
• Visibility into what was shared.
• This process provides clarity and accountability.

Do I Need Approval Before Going to the ER?

No. In true emergency situations:

• Seek care immediately.
• Notification happens after treatment.

What If the Hospital Says They Don’t Accept Medi-Share?

This concern is common and manageable. You may explain: “I participate in a health care sharing ministry, and they will handle my bills.”

If needed:

• Contact Member Services for assistance.
• Work with hospital billing for payment arrangements.

Common Emergency Scenarios

Car Accident

Go to the ER immediately. Provide your Member ID.

Note: Medi-Share is generally secondary to any available auto insurance medical benefits. Notify Medi-Share afterward.

Sudden Severe Illness

Seek urgent or emergency care. Ensure the provider submits bills. Monitor your AHP status.

Emergency Surgery

No preauthorization required in emergencies. Bills reviewed for eligibility. Applied toward AHP, then shared if eligible.

How Long Does Emergency Bill Processing Take?

Processing depends on:

• Provider submission timing.
• Bill complexity.
• Eligibility review.
• Members can track progress through their secure Member Portal.
  

What About Follow-Up Care After an Emergency?

Unlike the initial emergency visit, follow-up care (rehab, specialists, or office visits) may follow standard guidelines:

• Require standard provider fees.

• Be subject to normal eligibility review.
• Apply toward your AHP if applicable.

Why Understanding Emergencies Helps You Make a Confident Decision

Many people who begin enrollment pause because of uncertainty about emergencies. The reality:

• Care is not delayed.
• No emergency pre-approval is required.
• Eligible expenses may be shared according to Member-voted Guidelines.
• Members have support and visibility throughout the process.

Still Have Questions? Speak With a Member Advisor.

When an emergency strikes, the last thing you should worry about is a complex claims process or a pre-approval phone tree. Medi-Share is designed to put your health first, ensuring that in life’s most critical moments, you can seek care immediately and without hesitation.

By understanding the simple 4-step process, from presenting your ID card to notifying the community, you replace fear with a clear, actionable plan. With the support of a nationwide network and the collective strength of a community sharing your burdens, you can face the unexpected knowing that clarity, transparency, and support are already built into your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Medi-Share handle emergency room visits? Medi-Share treats emergency room visits as eligible for sharing, provided the condition meets the program guidelines. You should present your ID card as a member of a health care sharing ministry. Bills are first discounted and then applied to your Annual Household Portion (AHP).

Do I need preauthorization before going to the ER? No, Medi-Share does not require preauthorization or prior notification for life-threatening or limb-threatening emergencies. Seek medical attention immediately and notify Medi-Share after you are stable.

Are emergency surgeries eligible for sharing? Yes, emergency surgeries are generally eligible for sharing among the membership once the member’s Annual Household Portion has been met and the condition is not subject to a guideline limitation.

What if the hospital does not recognize Medi-Share? If a hospital is unfamiliar with Medi-Share, explain that you are similar to self pay and tell them to submit the bills to Medi-Share. Billing information is available on your Medi-Share Member ID. Medi-Share provides members with support to help navigate billing disputes or negotiations with hospital billing departments.

Will I be responsible for the entire emergency bill? You are responsible for your $500 Emergency Room fee and any additional amount of your Annual Household Portion (AHP). Once your AHP is reached, 100% of eligible medical bills are shared by the Medi-Share community. 

Looking for spiritual support? You’re not meant to walk alone. Stay connected with the Medi-Share blog  for uplifting articles, useful tips, inspirational stories and helpful resources to support you on your journey with God.