Jane and Jillian are both excitedly preparing for the arrival of their babies, embracing a holistic approach to pregnancy. They have chosen homebirths and are supported by doulas—both committed to making their pregnancy journeys as natural and personal as possible. However, while their prenatal and birthing plans are nearly identical, their financial experiences are drastically different, highlighting the stark contrast between ShareWELL’s healthcare-sharing model and traditional plans.
As a ShareWELL member, Jane’s healthcare journey is smooth and financially manageable. With a $1,500 Unshared Amount (UA) in place, Jane begins her prenatal care knowing precisely what her out-of-pocket expenses will be. ShareWELL operates by having members cover an initial portion of their medical costs, known as the Unshared Amount, and anything beyond that is shared among the community, making healthcare more affordable for everyone involved.
Throughout her pregnancy, Jane is diligent about managing her costs. By choosing providers that align with her financial goals and utilizing ShareWELL’s support, she successfully keeps her healthcare expenses under $10,000. Because of this, Jane even qualifies for a reduction in her UA, lowering it to just $500. This benefit is a huge relief, making an already positive experience even better financially and emotionally. ShareWELL’s model has allowed Jane to enjoy the pre and postnatal care she prefers (acupuncture, chiropractic, and pelvic floor exercises) with a financial safety net of the community that alleviates the burden of unexpected or excessive costs.
In contrast, Jillian’s experience with traditional coverage is far more expensive and stressful. Despite opting for the same holistic services as Jane—homebirth and doula support—Jillian faces a much heavier financial burden. Her plan comes with a $7,000 deductible, meaning she must pay this substantial amount out of pocket before her insurance covers anything. On top of that, there are additional expenses that fall outside of her plan’s coverage, quickly adding up and putting further strain on her budget. When Jillian has paid for all her prenatal and birthing costs, she’s dealing with a significant financial load that clouds an otherwise joyful experience.
While both moms experience healthy pregnancies and births, their financial journeys are worlds apart. Thanks to ShareWELL, Jane can focus on her pregnancy without the looming stress of overwhelming costs. Her journey is supported by the healthcare providers she trusts and a community-based model that promotes financial sustainability. ShareWELL’s healthcare-sharing program empowers Jane to choose the care that best fits her needs without fear of hidden expenses or escalating costs.
On the other hand, Jillian must juggle the joy of impending motherhood with the anxiety of mounting medical bills. Her traditional plan, with its high deductible and limited coverage for holistic care, results in a much more stressful and expensive journey.
Ultimately, the difference between Jane’s and Jillian’s experiences highlights the distinct advantages of ShareWELL’s model. By offering a more flexible, compassionate, and affordable approach to healthcare, ShareWELL provides moms like Jane with the financial peace of mind they need to fully embrace one of life’s most important moments: the birth of their child.
