Managing healthcare costs effectively requires a system that is both transparent and flexible. ShareWELL provides just that through its Sharing Request process, which allows members to submit eligible medical expenses for sharing within the community. Whether preparing for a scheduled procedure or dealing with an unexpected medical event, submitting a Sharing Request ensures that members receive the financial support they need in a fair and efficient manner.

Before submitting a Sharing Request, it is essential to contact your provider and request a self-pay discount. As a ShareWELL member, you can take this step to secure the lowest possible pricing. Many providers offer reduced rates when patients pay directly. Mentioning any program or plan, even ShareWELL, can complicate that process or disqualify you from available discounts.

When calling your provider, simply say:
“I’m self-pay and would like to know if you offer any discounts for direct payment.”
From there, you can request an estimate or an adjusted bill reflecting the discount.

Once that discounted rate is applied, you’re ready to submit your Sharing Request to ShareWELL.

Different Types of Sharing Requests Based on Your Membership

Not all Sharing Requests are the same—what you submit depends on your ShareWELL membership level and the additional plans you have in place. Understanding the types of Sharing Requests available ensures that members utilize the benefits that best align with their healthcare needs.

1. Preventive Care Sharing Requests

Members with Preventive Sharing included in their membership can submit a Sharing Request specifically for preventive services. While others have a separate plan in place to manage these expenses. This includes routine care such as annual wellness exams, vaccinations, and certain screenings.

2. Unshared Amount-Based Sharing Requests

Members submit a UA (Unshared Amount) Sharing Request for other medical needs beyond preventive care once their medical bills for a single event exceed their UA. The UA is the initial amount a member is responsible for paying before eligible expenses are shared. Once this threshold is met, members can submit their bills for sharing with the community.

For example, suppose a member’s UA is $1,500, and they have a medical event with $3,500 in eligible expenses. In that case, they can submit a UA Sharing Request once their total bills exceed $1,500. The remaining $2,000 would be considered for sharing among the ShareWELL community.

By understanding these distinctions, members can better plan for medical expenses and take full advantage of the sharing process.

What Happens Next

Submitting a Sharing Request is the first step in the Determination process. This means that once a request is submitted, ShareWELL will review the expenses, assess eligibility, and provide guidance on the next steps. ShareWELL reviews the medical expenses based on the Membership Guidelines. This determination process ensures that costs are shared fairly and in alignment with the community’s Member Guidelines.

When To Submit A Sharing Request

In many cases, submitting a Sharing Request before receiving care is beneficial, especially for planned procedures. As a self-pay patient, some providers may require an upfront payment or deposit before treatment. Submitting a Sharing Request before care can guide estimated sharing eligibility and help secure lower self-pay discounts. ShareWELL can help facilitate an instant debit card for members to make such prepayments and avoid reimbursements.

For unplanned or emergency care, such as an ER visit, members should submit a Sharing Request as soon as possible after receiving care, ideally right after discharge. Before starting the process, there is no need to wait for a bill to arrive. Prompt submission allows ShareWELL to begin reviewing the medical need quickly and support the member throughout the sharing process. Early submissions also help prevent delays in provider communication or payment coordination, especially for high-cost or time-sensitive treatments.

How It Differs from Traditional Healthcare Billing

Traditional healthcare billing involves a complex claims process controlled by insurance companies. Providers submit claims, insurance companies use contracted rates or deny coverage, and patients are often left with unexpected costs. The process can take weeks or even months, and there is little transparency in handling expenses.

With ShareWELL, members take an active role in their healthcare decisions. Instead of relying on insurance approvals, they work directly with providers to secure fair pricing and submit expenses to the ShareWELL community for sharing. There are no network restrictions, and the process is designed to be clear and transparent, ensuring that members always know where they stand financially.

Why This Approach Is Better

Submitting a Sharing Request before planned medical care allows members to maximize savings by securing the lowest self-pay pricing. Many hospitals and clinics offer substantial discounts for upfront payment, which is a benefit not typically available in traditional insurance systems.

Additionally, this process empowers members to make informed healthcare choices. Rather than dealing with claim denials and confusing insurance policies, members know exactly what they are responsible for and how much support they can expect from the ShareWELL community.

Beyond financial benefits, this approach promotes a stronger sense of community and fairness. Unlike traditional insurance, where premiums contribute to large corporate profits, ShareWELL operates as a non-profit and ensures that contributions go directly toward helping fellow members.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how and when to submit a Sharing Request is essential for making the most of your ShareWELL membership. Whether submitting a request for preventive care, exceeding your UA, or handling an emergency medical expense, this process is designed to provide financial support, transparency, and flexibility.

By taking control of your healthcare decisions and utilizing the Sharing Request system effectively, you gain greater financial freedom, lower medical costs, and the confidence of being part of a community that values fairness and mutual support.

The post Submitting a Sharing Request with ShareWELL appeared first on ShareWELL.

One of The Best Business Decisions I’ve Made

When I first considered moving away from providing traditional health insurance for my employees, I had my doubts. It felt counterintuitive. For years, providing group health insurance felt like the “right thing” to do as an employer. But rising costs, employee dissatisfaction, and the growing administrative burden made me question whether it truly benefited my team—or my business. Looking back, this shift was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made.

Here’s why stepping out of the benefits business was the right move and a transformative one for our company and our employees.

Empowering Employees with Choice

When we transitioned away from providing traditional health insurance, we gave our employees the freedom to choose coverage that worked best for them. Some opted for Health Share programs like ShareWELL, which offered a unique alternative to traditional plans for those who were a good fit. Others purchased plans on the healthcare exchange, where many qualified for financial assistance that significantly reduced their premiums—or even covered them entirely.

This freedom gave employees the power to tailor their healthcare to their specific needs and budgets, a stark contrast to the frustration they felt with the one-size-fits-all group plans we had previously offered.

Improving Employee Satisfaction

One of the driving factors behind this decision was recognizing that our employees didn’t truly appreciate the group plans we were providing. Each year, as rates increased and benefits diminished, frustration among our team grew. Employees often expressed dissatisfaction with us despite our best efforts to offer something valuable.

By empowering them to find and choose their own coverage, we changed the dynamic. Employees became more vested in their decisions and more informed about their options. Instead of feeling stuck with a plan that didn’t meet their needs, they now had control—and that control made all the difference.

Providing Support Along the Way

We didn’t leave our employees to navigate this change alone. To ease the transition, we brought in a local healthcare expert who served as a resource for employees needing guidance in selecting their plans. This ensured they had access to professional advice and felt supported throughout the process.

This small step of providing direction reinforced that we were still invested in their well-being, even if we weren’t directly managing their health benefits anymore.

Financial Wins for Everyone

One of the most immediate benefits was financial relief—for both the company and our employees. Without the burden of group insurance costs, we could give employees raises, redistributing some of the savings directly to them. This helped them cover their healthcare expenses and gave them extra flexibility in how to use the additional income.

For employees, the cost of coverage often dropped by half or more. Many who qualified for subsidies on the exchange could secure coverage at little to no cost.

Streamlining Operations

Another unexpected benefit was the reduction in administrative overhead. Managing healthcare benefits has been a complex and time-consuming process for our HR team. From plan renewals to compliance and employee inquiries, it often felt like we were running a mini insurance office on top of our actual business.

When we stepped away from providing health insurance, those responsibilities disappeared. Fewer internal resources were needed to manage benefits, allowing my team to refocus on what truly matters—our core business.

The Best Decision for Our Team

Ultimately, this decision improved our workplace. Employees were happier, more informed, and better equipped to manage their own healthcare. They appreciated our support and valued the increased control and flexibility.

Leaving traditional health insurance behind wasn’t easy, but it was right for us. It saved money, reduced administrative burdens, and, most importantly, empowered our employees to make informed choices that worked best for them.

Sometimes, rethinking the “standard” is the key to creating something better—for everyone.

The post An Alternative Healthcare Approach For My Employees appeared first on ShareWELL.

As a ShareWELL member, you gain access to versatile healthcare options designed to save money on healthcare spending and proactively manage your health with ease. Complement your ShareWELL membership with Lyric, an optional feature that provides access to Virtual Urgent Care visits and select Mental Health Quest Select Service, which allows you to access over 1,200 lab services at no cost through any Quest Diagnostics location services with a $0 copay. This blog will guide you through maximizing the benefits of Lyric in tandem with your ShareWELL membership.  

What is Lyric? 

Lyric is a digital health platform that offers innovative solutions for managing healthcare needs. It provides access to a range of virtual healthcare services, including urgent care, primary care, and mental health consultations, through a convenient, user-friendly interface. Designed to integrate perfectly with ShareWELL, Lyric enables users to connect with medical professionals from the comfort of their homes, helping to save time and reduce costs. Lyric will fill the gap of expenses that do not meet the Unshared Amount of ShareWELL, making it the perfect complement to keep healthcare spending down. 

$0 Virtual Care: 

• Quick access to healthcare providers for non-emergency medical issues. Most commonly treated conditions include allergies, asthma, bronchitis, colds & flu, earaches, fevers, heartburn, UTIs, nausea, rashes, sinus infections, and sore throats. 
• 24/7 access for patients and their families -Live video, phone, and messaging options let each patient receive care the way they like. 
• Primary care visits to help manage medications, labs, and order imaging.

Mental Health Support: 

• Access select Mental Health services for virtual therapy or counseling by scheduling secure sessions with licensed therapists. These sessions address behavioral conditions like addiction, depression, family challenges, and more, and are available by video or phone appointment only.  

How to use Lyric:  

Virtual Urgent Care 

• Step 1 – Download the app: It takes just a few minutes to get access to the state-of-the-art platform. 

• Step 2 – Schedule in minutes: A doctor will call you directly or join with a video on the mobile app or website, typically in under 9 minutes for Urgent Care consults or next-day primary care appointments. 

• Step 3 – Get Diagnosed & Treated In Minutes: Your doctor will listen to your symptoms, diagnose your issue, and provide a treatment plan, which may include a prescription.  

• Step 4 – Get Back to Life: That’s it! If your doctor wrote you a prescription, you’ll be able to pick it up quickly from your preferred pharmacy and get back to what matters most. 

*We recommend downloading the app and registering when your benefit becomes active to save time on your first appointment.  

Mental Health Services 

• Follow the steps above. Please note that you will need to schedule an appointment for select mental health services.

A Tale of Two Visits: Lyric vs Urgent Care 

Meet Jane 

Jane is a busy professional juggling a demanding job and family responsibilities. One afternoon, she starts to feel the telltale signs of a urinary tract infection—discomfort and frequent urges to go. Knowing she needs treatment quickly but does not want to rearrange her day, she uses Lyric’s Virtual Urgent Care. 

Within minutes, Jane logs onto the platform, fills out a short symptom questionnaire, and is matched with a healthcare provider. During a quick video consultation, the provider confirms her symptoms, advises her on hydration, and sends a prescription to her local pharmacy. Jane picks up her $0 cost medication after work, and by the next morning, she’s already feeling relief—all without leaving her home or waiting in a clinic. 

Meet Jill 

Jill is a college student who wakes up with a painful earache that won’t go away. Jill reluctantly heads to a local urgent care clinic with no access to virtual care. After a long 45-minute wait in the lobby, she was finally seen by a provider who confirmed she had an ear infection. After all her travel and time, the visit turns out to be more costly than she expected, and Jill spends $700 out of her own pocket!  

Frustrated by the time, effort, and expense of the experience, Jill reflects on how much easier it could have been if he’d had access to a more convenient and affordable option like virtual care. 

Comparing Their Experiences 

Convenience: Jane’s virtual visit was fast and stress-free, completed from the comfort of her home. Jill faced a lengthy wait and additional stress navigating costs at the clinic and pharmacy. 

Cost: Jane’s virtual visit was included as part of her ShareWELL membership with Lyric, while Jill paid a high price for the urgent care visit and his prescription. 

Outcome: Both received treatment, but Jan’s experience was far more streamlined and affordable. 

The Takeaway 

Virtual care, like the services offered through Lyric, can save time, reduce expenses, and simplify access to treatment for non-emergency health concerns. While in-person visits are sometimes unavoidable, ShareWELL members with Lyric Health can avoid many of the downsides Jill experienced, ensuring a smoother and more convenient healthcare experience. 

The post Manage Your Care With Virtual Care appeared first on ShareWELL.

The Balance of Choice and Stewardship

Every member contributes to a shared pool of funds built on trust. That trust allows members to seek the care that best fits their individual health journeys, whether through conventional hospital treatment, holistic providers, or clinics outside the United States.

Freedom must be balanced with responsibility. Without clear guidelines, community funds could be quickly depleted by overlapping or experimental care. ShareWELL’s model ensures that members have access to meaningful support when it is truly needed while maintaining fairness and sustainability for the entire community.

Alternative Medicine for Serious Conditions

Alternative medicine includes care provided by nontraditional or international providers such as naturopaths, integrative physicians, or clinics outside the United States. These services often offer innovative, less invasive, and cost-effective approaches for serious conditions, including cancer, autoimmune disease, or chronic illness.

ShareWELL recognizes that alternative treatments can be just as effective, and often less costly, than traditional Western care. For serious conditions, Sharing Requests are reviewed and shared on an equitable basis with what the community would share toward conventional treatment.

For example, a member who chooses to receive integrative cancer treatment at a clinic in Mexico or Europe instead of chemotherapy or radiation may be eligible for equitable sharing once their Unshared Amount (UA) has been met. This approach preserves freedom of choice while ensuring fair and responsible use of community funds.

Requests for alternative treatment should include:

• Medical notes from a licensed prescribing provider

• Estimated costs or available upfront payment discounts

• An explanation of why the alternative treatment was selected instead of the traditional option

Alternative Testing and Nontraditional Treatments

ShareWELL also supports members exploring non-life-threatening conditions through functional or alternative approaches once they have met their Unshared Amount.

Members in their second year of membership may be eligible for:

• Up to $2,000 toward alternative testing used to determine a diagnosis, such as gut health analysis, celiac or hormone testing, skin condition assessments, fatigue evaluations, or Lyme disease testing.

• Up to $2,500 toward treatment of these conditions when there is no established traditional medical equivalent.

These allowances ensure members receive meaningful support for conditions that may not fit neatly into conventional care pathways while keeping the community’s sharing fiscally sustainable.

Recovery Therapies: Often Misunderstood

Many people associate alternative care with services like chiropractic or acupuncture. However, at ShareWELL, these therapies are typically considered part of Recovery Therapies and Treatments, not alternative medicine.

When prescribed for recovery from an acute injury or illness, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, and physical therapy are eligible for up to $3,500 per Sharing Request once the Unshared Amount has been met. These therapies are considered standard components of recovery and generally do not require the documentation required for alternative medicine.

Holistic Maternity and Family Care

ShareWELL’s philosophy of freedom and stewardship also extends to maternity care. Members can choose natural and family-centered birth experiences that reflect their beliefs. Under the Prenatal and Postnatal Sharing Allowance, eligible services include midwives, doulas, home birth care, pelvic floor therapy, prenatal vitamins, lactation consultation, and postpartum counseling, with sharing up to $6,000 per maternity request. This reflects our broader view that holistic care can be embraced responsibly within a structured, community-based model.

Healing Together

At ShareWELL, we know healing is personal, but sharing is collective. Our guidelines for alternative and recovery care honor both individuality and stewardship.

By balancing compassion with accountability, we protect members’ freedom to choose traditional, alternative, or integrative care while ensuring that community resources remain strong for everyone.

Freedom in care works best when it is guided by fairness. That is how we share well and heal well together.

The post Holistic and Alternative Care Through ShareWELL appeared first on ShareWELL.

Why Outpatient Physical Therapy Makes Smart Sense

When it is time to recover from surgery, injury, or illness, your path to healing does not have to go through a hospital. Choosing an independent outpatient physical therapy center can make a major difference for both your recovery and your wallet.

The Price Difference You Cannot Ignore

Hospital-based physical therapy can cost up to 800 percent more than receiving the same treatment at an outpatient clinic.
According to data from the Health Care Cost Institute and Fair Health, the average price of one physical therapy session at a hospital may range from about 350 dollars to over 800 dollars, while many independent outpatient therapy clinics charge between 75 and 125 dollars for similar care.

The reason for this difference comes down to hospital facility fees and other administrative costs that outpatient centers do not include. These extra charges can quickly use up your available sharing allowance and make recovery far more expensive than necessary.

To put it into perspective, ShareWELL recently received a hospital bill that included a $54 charge for a single ice pack. That same ice pack could have been purchased at a local pharmacy for just a few dollars. This kind of overbilling is not unusual in hospital billing systems, and it shows how quickly hospital-based care can drain funds that should go toward your actual recovery needs.

ShareWELL Members Have the Power of Choice

As a ShareWELL member, you are not tied to a network or required provider list. You have complete freedom to decide where and how you receive your recovery therapy.

If you need physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other rehabilitative care, you can submit a Sharing Request and use your $3,500 recovery therapy allowance toward those approved expenses.

How to Make Your Allowance Go Further

Being smart about your billing as a self-pay patient helps your allowance go much further. Here are some helpful steps:

1. Ask for the self-pay rate before you begin care.
   Many outpatient clinics offer significant discounts for patients who pay at the time of service.

2. Request an itemized estimate in advance.
   Ask for a Good Faith Estimate before care begins so you can understand the expected charges and avoid unnecessary costs.

3. Choose independent or community-based therapy providers.
   Look for locally owned physical therapy clinics or outpatient rehabilitation centers. These facilities often provide excellent care with lower overhead costs.

4. Remember that smart choices help the whole community.
   When you select cost-effective options, you are not only saving money for yourself but also supporting the long-term health of the ShareWELL community.

Quality Care Without the Price Tag

Outpatient therapy centers often provide more personalized and flexible care focused on your recovery goals. Patients usually see the same licensed therapist at each visit, receive more one-on-one attention, and experience shorter wait times.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) notes that outpatient settings are often ideal for most recovery journeys. They provide the same high-quality outcomes as hospital-based care without unnecessary medical costs.

Real Recovery. Real Savings. Real Choice.

Your recovery should never come with financial stress. By selecting an outpatient therapy provider instead of a hospital, you can make the most of your $3,500 therapy allowance while still receiving high-quality care.

Your health is your journey, and with ShareWELL, you have the freedom to make it a smart one.

The post Get the Most from Your Recovery appeared first on ShareWELL.

Bringing new life into the world is an exciting and deeply personal journey. At ShareWELL, we’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your maternity experience is empowered, informed, and well-supported. If you’re a ShareWELL member with an eligible maternity sharing request, here’s what you need to know about what’s included, what’s not, and the essential steps to ensure your care is shared effectively.

Step One: Confirming Eligibility

Maternity sharing with ShareWELL begins with verifying your eligibility. To qualify, your pregnancy must be confirmed to have begun at least 30 days after your membership start date. Once you suspect or confirm a pregnancy, please submit clinical notes from your first appointment as soon as possible. These notes help us verify your eligibility and begin coordinating your Sharing Request.

Step Two: Present as a Self-Pay Patient

As a ShareWELL member, you are free to see the providers of your choice, with no networks and the freedom to choose. When you go to your care provider, you’ll present as a self-pay patient. This allows you to take advantage of self-pay pricing, and it also enables ShareWELL to facilitate sharing effectively.

You will request a global maternity package from your provider. A global package typically includes:

• Prenatal visits
• Routine lab work
• Delivery (vaginal or cesarean)
• Postpartum follow-up visit(s)

It’s important to note that global packages vary, and not all services are always included. For instance, ultrasounds beyond the standard two, additional labs, high-risk pregnancy care, and anesthesia may fall outside the package. That’s why it’s essential to communicate with both your provider and ShareWELL to clarify what’s included and what’s not.

Step Three: Stay in Communication

We’ll be reaching out via email to confirm your care details and assist in coordinating the next steps. Please reply to these messages promptly and send us any bills that are outside your global package. Early and ongoing communication helps ensure timely sharing and reduces the likelihood of surprises or delays.

Also, as soon as you know where you plan to deliver, let us know. Some facilities offer self-pay discounts or programs that can reduce your personal Unshared Amount (UA). We can help you explore those options and guide you through any applications that may help lower your costs.

Broad Maternity Support and Holistic Care Options

One of the unique benefits of being a ShareWELL member is access to a wide range of eligible expenses related to prenatal and postnatal care. This includes traditional medical services, but also holistic care that supports your well-being throughout pregnancy.

Eligible expenses may include:

• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Doula services
• Midwifery
• Nutritional support
• Pelvic floor therapy

ShareWELL was designed to give mothers the freedom to choose the care that aligns with their values and preferences. Whether you’re seeing a midwife, using a birthing center, or working with a doula, you can use eligible sharing toward these services if they are part of your maternity care plan.

Simplifying the Process with Self-Pay and Prepayment

Whenever possible, we recommend arranging prepayment with providers. Prepaying as a self-pay patient can often lead to reduced rates and help streamline the sharing process. Our team is here to assist you in making these arrangements and ensuring you’re never navigating this alone.

Your Maternity Coordinator: A Dedicated Advocate

From the moment your maternity sharing request is approved, you’ll be paired with a ShareWELL maternity coordinator. This person is your go-to resource throughout the pregnancy journey. Whether you have billing questions, need help finding a provider, or want guidance on managing care logistics, your coordinator is here for you, every step of the way.

After Baby Arrives: Continued Support

The support doesn’t end at delivery. After your baby is born, your maternity coordinator will help you access an additional ShareWELL benefit: six months of diaper delivery, at no extra cost to you. You’ll have a variety of diaper brands to choose from, making those early months a little easier.

Welcoming a new baby is a life-changing experience, and ShareWELL is here to support you with clarity, compassion, and the resources you need. By understanding your sharing benefits and working closely with your coordinator, you can focus more on preparing for baby, and less on paperwork or billing.

If you’re expecting, make sure to submit your clinical notes early, communicate regularly, and explore all the care options available to you. We’re honored to be part of this chapter in your life.

The post A Guide for Maternity Sharing Requests appeared first on ShareWELL.

When it comes to getting lab work done, most people assume that having insurance is the only way to afford it. But what if I told you that going the self-pay route—skipping insurance entirely—could actually save you money? That’s right! By paying directly and using the right strategies, you can significantly cut costs on essential lab tests while maintaining quality and accuracy.

This blog will walk you through the most affordable ways to get your lab work done without insurance, where to go, and how to make the most of direct-to-consumer lab services like Ulta Labs, Grassroots Labs, Quest Diagnostics, and Labcorp.

Why Skipping Insurance for Lab Work Can Save You Money

Most people don’t realize that insurance-negotiated lab test prices are often higher than self-pay prices. The reason? Insurance companies negotiate set rates with labs and providers, which frequently include administrative fees, processing costs, and sometimes even markups that make your final bill much higher than expected.

When you go the self-pay route, you can:

• Avoid surprise bills (no unexpected “adjustments” from insurance).
• See upfront pricing before getting the test.
• Compare costs across different labs to find the best price.
• Skip unnecessary doctor’s visits (which also saves money!).

By bypassing insurance and ordering lab tests directly, you’re in control of your healthcare spending—and often, you’ll pay less than someone using insurance!

How to Get the Lowest Prices on Lab Work Without Insurance

1. Order Your Lab Tests Online First

One of the best ways to save money on lab work is by ordering your tests online before heading to the lab. Websites like Ulta Labs, Grassroots Labs, and DirectLabs offer pre-negotiated prices on common lab tests, sometimes at a fraction of the cost you’d pay through insurance.

These online platforms let you:

✔ Choose from hundreds of lab tests (blood work, hormone panels, cholesterol checks, etc.).

✔ Pay a low upfront price without hidden fees.

✔ Take your test order to a major lab like Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp for collection.

This approach ensures you lock in a low price before even stepping foot in a lab.

2. Use Independent Lab Companies Instead of Hospitals or Doctors’ Offices

Another way to save big? Avoid doing lab work at a hospital or through your doctor’s office.

Here’s why:

• Hospitals charge significantly higher rates for the same lab tests you can get elsewhere.
• Doctors’ offices often mark up the cost of tests because they act as the “middleman” between you and the lab.

Instead, go directly to labs like:

🔹 Quest Diagnostics – Nationwide lab offering a wide range of tests.

🔹 Labcorp – Another leading lab with affordable pricing for direct-pay customers.

By choosing an independent lab instead of a hospital-based facility, you’ll dramatically cut costs while still getting high-quality testing.

3. Compare Prices Across Different Labs

Prices for lab tests can vary significantly depending on where you go. For example, a basic CBC (Complete Blood Count) test can cost:

• $15 at Grassroots Labs
• $25 at Ulta Labs
• $50+ at Quest or Labcorp if paying full price (without pre-ordering online)
• $200+ at a doctor’s office or hospital

This is why shopping around and using direct-to-consumer lab services like Grassroots and Ulta Labs can lead to major savings.

4. Pay with a Health Savings Account (HSA)

Even if you’re paying out of pocket, you can still use tax-advantaged accounts like an HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) to pay for lab tests.

This helps you:

✔ Use pre-tax dollars to cover lab expenses.

✔ Reduce your overall healthcare costs.

✔ Pay directly without going through insurance.

Many online lab providers accept HSA/FSA payments, making saving even easier. Don’t have a plan that would qualify for contributions to an HSA account? Check out options for self-employed and entrepreneurs. 

Real-Life Savings Example

Let’s say you need a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) and a lipid panel to check your cholesterol.

Here’s what you might pay using different methods:

• Hospital or doctor’s office with insurance → $150–$400 (after insurance adjustments).
• Quest or Labcorp without pre-ordering online → $60–$100.
• Ulta Labs or Grassroots Labs (ordering online first) → $25–$35.

That’s a savings of up to 80% just by skipping insurance and ordering online!

The Bottom Line: Be Your Own Advocate & Save on Lab Work

Getting lab work without insurance doesn’t have to be expensive. By using direct-pay options, ordering online ahead of time, and choosing independent labs, you can significantly lower your costs—often paying less than someone using insurance.

🔹 Order online through Ulta Labs, Grassroots Labs, or DirectLabs.

🔹 Go to Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp instead of a hospital or doctor’s office.

🔹 Compare prices and take advantage of discounts.

🔹 Use HSA/FSA funds to make payments more affordable.

By following these simple steps, you can take control of your healthcare and get the lab tests you need—without breaking the bank! 💰💉

The post How to Get Lab Work Done Without Insurance—and Save Money! appeared first on ShareWELL.

At ShareWELL, we know healthcare choices can be confusing. Members often ask how Health Sharing works, how it differs from insurance, and how our MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) plans fit into the picture. This Q&A guide addresses the most common questions so you can feel confident in your membership and the flexibility it provides.

1. Is a Health Share the same as Insurance?

No, a Health Share is not insurance, and that is intentional. Health sharing communities are built around member cost-sharing rather than government-regulated insurance models. This allows them to stay focused on community-driven, transparent care while reducing unnecessary costs.

a. Strong Member Protections

Although Health Shares are not regulated like insurers, organizations such as ShareWELL operate under binding Member Guidelines that are legally enforceable through state contract law. This means that if obligations are not met, members have similar legal protections to those of an insurance policy, without the bureaucratic delays or red tape.

b. How It Works in Practice

For eligible medical sharing requests (e.g., hospitalizations, surgeries), health shares function just like coverage: bills get paid from pooled member funds, often at discounted cash rates. Plus, you get broader access—no narrow networks forcing you to specific doctors; see anyone, anywhere, including out-of-state or abroad.

c. Understanding the Myth of “Guarantees”

The word “guarantee” in insurance advertising can be misleading. No system can promise perfect protection. In fact, large insurers routinely deny claims. UnitedHealthcare, for example, rejected about one in three claims in 2024, often citing “not medically necessary.” Health sharing communities like ShareWELL are transparent about guidelines and emphasize preventive care to keep overall costs manageable for everyone.

d. Affordable and Flexible

Without the Affordable Care Act mandates, Health Shares do not require members to pay for coverage they do not need. This creates savings of 30 to 60 percent compared to traditional insurance plans, often reducing family healthcare costs by thousands each year.

e. A Proven Approach

Health sharing is not new. More than 2.4 million Americans currently participate in Health Sharing communities, which together have shared over 30 billion dollars in medical expenses since 1993. Member satisfaction remains high, averaging 98 percent nationally.

f. ShareWELL’s Member Advantage

ShareWELL goes a step further by prepaying major medical expenses when possible. This eliminates financial stress before procedures and helps members focus fully on recovery.

2. Can I still see my own doctor?

Yes. As a ShareWELL member, you can use any provider anywhere in the country. You are never restricted to a network or forced to switch doctors.

3. How does ShareWELL treat pre-existing conditions?

A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury for which you received treatment, medication, or medical advice within 24 months before your membership began. This also includes any ongoing management of chronic conditions.

• For cancer, the lookback period is 36 months. This includes preventive treatments, medications, or follow-up related to a prior diagnosis.

• Certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, and type 2 diabetes, are not considered pre-existing unless hospitalization occurred in the previous 12 months.

A Practical Way to Look at It

Almost everyone has something that could be considered pre-existing. In reality, most of these conditions are common and manageable, not the kind that lead to major expenses or hospital stays. Many are self-managed or require only occasional low-cost visits. Examples might include mild back pain that does not require surgery, small dermatological procedures such as a MOHS treatment that costs under 1,000 dollars when paid as a self-pay patient, or the general aches and pains that come with age.

The key is understanding whether your condition could lead to a significant medical expense in the near future, especially within your first year of membership, when sharing for related medical bills would not be eligible.

If you expect a major cost tied to an ongoing or recent condition, take a moment to calculate whether those potential expenses might outweigh the savings you would receive from joining a Health Share such as ShareWELL. Compare this to the total cost of a traditional insurance plan, including monthly premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance.

For instance, if you know that a surgery or other high-cost treatment is likely soon after joining, a traditional plan may be the better short-term option. However, for individuals and families who are generally healthy or managing stable, low-risk conditions, the lower monthly costs and flexible care options available through ShareWELL can offer meaningful long-term savings and greater freedom in choosing care.

Why This Model Works

This approach keeps monthly costs affordable for the majority of members while still protecting the community from excessive risk. It also makes Health Sharing an excellent fit for people who prioritize preventive care and want the flexibility to choose their own doctors without the high premiums of insurance-based plans.

By doing the math and understanding your personal health outlook, you can determine whether a health share is the right fit for you. Many members find that once they evaluate their likely medical expenses versus what they would spend on traditional coverage, the savings and flexibility make ShareWELL an ideal choice.

4. What does ShareWELL offer for maternity care?

ShareWELL provides one of the most innovative maternity programs in the country. Members can have their entire pregnancy and delivery costs shared for as little as $1,500.

To encourage smart spending, members who keep their maternity expenses within cost guidelines can receive six months of free diapers. ShareWELL also supports natural and homeopathic maternity options, giving families freedom in how they approach childbirth.

Maternity Waiting Period: Conception must occur at least 30 days after your membership begins for maternity expenses to be eligible for sharing. If conception occurs within the first 30 days, or if you are already pregnant at the time of enrollment, maternity-related expenses will not be eligible.

5. Will I have to pay out-of-pocket for major medical expenses?

No. ShareWELL provides prepaid medical cards to cover approved procedures. This means many surgeries and hospital stays are paid before you ever step into the facility. It is a powerful way to eliminate the worry of medical debt and protect members from financial strain.

🩺 Q&A: Understanding MEC Plans and How They Fit with Health Sharing

1. How do MEC plans fit with the ShareWELL Health Share?

MEC plans are designed to complement your health sharing membership. They cover preventive care and lower-cost medical services, typically under $1,500. MEC plans ensure members meet ACA preventive requirements and can provide 100 percent coverage for annual wellness visits, mammograms, and colonoscopies.

The Copay MEC option expands benefits to include primary care visits, specialist consultations, urgent care, lab work, imaging, and prescription coverage with low copays.

2. What provider network do MEC plans use?

The MEC Copay and HSA plans use the PHCS network, one of the largest in the United States, with over 920,000 providers. This network is paired with a Reference-Based Pricing (RBP) model for out-of-network care. Members can see any doctor they choose while still reducing the risk of unexpected or inflated billing.

For major medical needs under the Health Share, provider choice remains completely open.

3. What is a MEC Health Plan?

A Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) plan is designed to meet the Affordable Care Act’s requirement for basic health coverage. MEC plans help individuals and employers avoid ACA penalties while ensuring access to essential preventive services at no cost.

These plans are especially appealing to employers seeking affordable, compliant benefits for their teams. MEC Plus plans, as described by Essential Benefit Administrators, combine preventive care with additional benefits for everyday medical needs such as primary care visits and prescriptions.

4. How does a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) enhance MEC plans?

A Third-Party Administrator, or TPA, such as Alternative Risk Management (ARM), manages administrative functions for employers. This includes processing claims, providing access to provider networks, and offering member support.

Partnering with a TPA allows employers to customize their MEC plans while ensuring smooth administration and responsive service. ARM’s member portal at www.altrisk.com allows members to review claims, ask questions, and access support tools anytime.

✅ The Takeaway

Health sharing with ShareWELL empowers members with freedom, transparency, and affordability. When paired with MEC coverage, members receive both preventive care and major medical support—all without the high costs and restrictions of traditional insurance.

Your health is personal. ShareWELL simply helps you protect it with choice, confidence, and community.

The post Combing Health Share With Everyday Care: Your Questions Answered appeared first on ShareWELL.

The Benefits Puzzle: A Smarter, More Affordable Approach

Managing healthcare can seem overwhelming, but relying on just one company to handle everything isn’t always the best solution. Although it may seem straightforward, relying on a single plan and provider often results in higher costs and subpar customer service. A more strategic option is available in today’s healthcare environment, using multiple plans to better meet your needs.

Think of it like putting together a healthcare puzzle. Each piece, from Health Share to preventive plans, labs, virtual care, and more, serves a specific purpose. By thoughtfully combining these options, you can create a custom healthcare plan that works best for you or your employees.

Here’s why using several plans can be the key to more innovative, more affordable healthcare.

Customization That Meets Individual Needs

Healthcare is not one-size-fits-all, especially for small businesses or families where everyone has different needs. Multiple healthcare plans allow you to handpick coverage options based on your requirements. For example, you might use one plan for your basic health needs and another for dental or vision coverage. Each employee can mix and match based on their own specific needs.

The plans and pieces we’re discussing can include Health Share, preventive plans, copay plans, virtual care, labs, medications, dental, vision, and accident coverage. Some people might only need one or two of these, while others might combine several to ensure comprehensive care. This flexibility is especially valuable in small businesses, where employees may have varying needs, from managing chronic conditions to requiring certain providers for routine preventive care.

Importance of Using Plans Correctly

Understanding when to use your plan’s ID card and when to present as self-pay is a key part of managing multiple healthcare plans effectively. When using ShareWELL, members should always present as self-pay at the time of service and request to receive the bill directly. This applies to any service intended to be shared through ShareWELL, such as emergency room visits, surgery, that exceeds the member’s Unshared Amount. These bills are submitted by the member directly to ShareWELL through a Sharing Request.

In contrast, services covered under supplemental plans, such as preventive care or copay plans, dental, or vision, follow a traditional process where you present your ID card, and the provider sends the claim directly to the plan. Using your ID card in a situation that should be self-pay can lead to billing delays, additional administrative work, and higher costs for both the member and the ShareWELL community. Following the right steps helps ensure that your care is processed smoothly and your healthcare remains cost-effective and easy to manage.

Medical Bill Claim portal to check claim status when presenting an ID card for Copay or HSA plan. Search for doctors and services (select PHCS Practitioner & Ancillary) for the copay and HSA plan that requires the use of the PHCS network.

Lower Monthly Costs and Reduced Out-of-Pocket Spending

Surprisingly, using multiple plans can result in a significantly lower monthly payment and reduced out-of-pocket spending over the year. At first glance, having several plans might seem to increase your expenses, but the reality is quite the opposite. You avoid paying for unnecessary services bundled into one expensive plan by picking specific coverage options based on your personal or business needs.

For instance, we often purchase a conventional plan that is rarely used, and the deductible is never reached. You can choose Health Share, which has lower costs, and add the other pieces only if needed. This results in a tailored approach that helps you save money with maximized coverage. Many Health Share programs, for instance, pair perfectly with a copay plan or preventive care to give you a way to spend less on healthcare.

Learning Curve, but Greater Rewards

Yes, there’s a learning curve when managing multiple plans. You’ll need to understand how each plan works, what it covers, and when to use it. But this extra effort will reward you with a healthcare system that perfectly fits your lifestyle and financial needs. This approach includes advocacy services by ShareWELL Partners designed to provide the highest level of customer service and assist with the learning curve. Think of it like learning the pieces of a puzzle—you might start with a few key plans like virtual care or preventive care, and add others like accident coverage, labs, or medications as needed.

Once you become familiar with the ins and outs of each plan, you’ll be able to maximize your healthcare benefits while minimizing costs. For instance, understanding when to use your virtual care plan versus going to an in-person provider can save you both time and money.

Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Approach Healthcare

Healthcare doesn’t have to be expensive or frustrating to manage. By choosing multiple plans and customizing them to fit your needs, you can save money and get better coverage. Whether it’s Health Share, preventive care, or adding coverage for medications, dental, or vision, the key is to combine different pieces to form a complete healthcare puzzle that works best for you.

So, don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all approach. By securing advocacy support, tailoring your healthcare, reducing overall costs, and learning the management of multiple plans, you can ensure the best coverage for your needs without overpaying.

General FAQ Overview

For more information or assistance with setting up the best combination of plans, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to help you confidently manage your healthcare puzzle.

The math of a real-life example:

A Traditional Family Plan– $1,500 monthly

comes with a $5,000 deductible

A Customized Approach– $900 monthly

Includes $1,500 UA Health Share, Preventive Copay plan, Dental, Vision, $0 Copay Virtual Urgent Care, and $0 labs.

*The result is more services with little to no out-of-pocket cost and a more comprehensive selection of providers and services.

The post Using Multiple Plans To Manage Your Healthcare appeared first on ShareWELL.

Making the Switch to ShareWELL: A Positive Change for Employees

Trying something new in healthcare can feel unfamiliar, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t proven. For over 40 years, families have used approaches outside of traditional group plans to save money and gain more control. The real mistake is falling back on a system everyone knows is broken, paying more each month while facing higher costs when care is needed. With ShareWELL as the foundation, members can combine other benefits and solutions to build a smarter, more flexible plan that truly works for their family.

Freedom to Choose Any Clinician

A benefit of ShareWELL is the freedom it offers when choosing healthcare providers that are not limited to small networks that we have become accustomed to navigating. Whether it’s a doctor you’ve been seeing for years or a specialist you need to consult with, you will have more freedom to see the clinicians you choose.

This means you have the freedom to seek out the best care available without worrying about whether a provider is “in-network.” You’re in control of your healthcare decisions and can prioritize quality care over bureaucratic restrictions. This level of autonomy can alleviate the frustration many experience with more rigid healthcare systems, and it’s one of the key reasons employees find ShareWELL appealing.

True Flexibility: Customizing Your Healthcare Package

When we talk about flexibility with ShareWELL, we’re not just referring to the ability to keep your doctor—you also have the freedom to customize your healthcare package by combining ShareWELL with other healthcare-related products. Many employers offer ShareWELL alongside complimentary plans, virtual care, advocacy services, direct primary care, dental, vision, and wellness options, allowing employees to build a healthcare solution that fits their specific needs.

This means that instead of the one-size-fits-all approach typical of traditional plans, you can choose the services that make the most sense for you and your family. For example, you might use ShareWELL for general healthcare needs but opt for an additional wellness plan or extra coverage for specific treatments. This ability to mix and match products allows you to create a more tailored and cost-effective healthcare solution.

This flexibility can also help you avoid paying for services you don’t need. With traditional setups, you may be paying for blanket coverage that doesn’t fit your specific situation. But with the ShareWELL approach, you can decide exactly what’s important to you, saving money while still ensuring you’re fully covered where it matters most.

Lower Cost For Employers and Employees

One of the most appealing aspects of ShareWELL is the potential for significantly lower monthly contributions. As a community-based system, ShareWELL allows members to share healthcare costs, which often leads to lower overall expenses compared to traditional plans. This sharing model reduces the financial burden of healthcare without compromising the quality of care.

For employees, this means more manageable healthcare costs, allowing them to allocate savings toward other financial goals. However, the benefits go beyond individual savings—employers also stand to save. Employers can reinvest those savings into their benefits packages by paying less for healthcare. For instance, if an employer is paying half as much for healthcare through ShareWELL, they may be able to cover a more significant portion of other benefits, like retirement contributions or wellness programs, which further enhances the overall compensation package for employees.

This cost-saving structure creates a win-win situation: employees get the flexibility and coverage they need, while employers can expand their benefits offerings without increasing costs. And with ShareWELL’s transparent, predictable costs, there are no hidden fees or unexpected charges to worry about.

Different Doesn’t Mean Worse—It Often Means Better

Choosing a different path in healthcare doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or security; it means rethinking what’s possible. At ShareWELL, we believe doing healthcare differently means doing it better for most people. Consider the concept of an Unshared Amount, for example, it functions similarly to a deductible but differs, offering a more practical approach to out-of-pocket expenses. Rather than paying high monthly premiums that cover a wide range of services you might never use, ShareWELL allows members to pay a lower monthly contribution and take care of smaller expenses themselves. Instead of being locked into a provider network, members can self-pay and access care from any clinician they trust. This model puts control in your hands rather than behind-the-scenes processes dictated by insurance companies. And because ShareWELL is a nonprofit community, the focus is on supporting members, not maximizing shareholder returns. It’s a transparent, values-driven approach that aligns better with how people actually want to experience healthcare.

Understanding Limitations: Pre-Existing Conditions

While ShareWELL offers considerable benefits, it’s important to understand that it may not be the best fit for every employee or family member. The flexibility and cost savings of ShareWELL come with some limitations, particularly when it comes to pre-existing conditions. ShareWELL may have restrictions on coverage for certain pre-existing medical conditions, and these limitations could impact how well it serves the needs of specific individuals.

For some families, this might mean that purchasing a traditional plan, which tends to offer more immediate and comprehensive coverage for pre-existing conditions, is a better choice for specific family members. This blend of solutions—using ShareWELL for most families while choosing a traditional plan for those who need it—helps balance costs and coverage.

Enhancing ShareWELL with Additional Coverage Options

It’s common for employers offering ShareWELL to pair the membership with other benefits to enhance the overall healthcare package. These complementary plans may include coverage for preventive care, telemedicine, copay options for routine doctor visits, prescription discount programs, or even the ability to contribute to and use a Health Savings Account (HSA). This creates a hybrid approach, where employees get the flexibility and cost savings of ShareWELL while still having access to familiar benefits that help cover everyday healthcare expenses. By blending these options, employers can offer a more comprehensive benefits package that meets diverse employee needs while still keeping costs lower than traditional group plans.

A Transparent and Supportive Community

At the heart of ShareWELL is its community-based approach with advocacy support for all its members. Members contribute to one another’s medical expenses, fostering a supportive and transparent environment. Unlike traditional plans that can feel impersonal, ShareWELL encourages a sense of connection and shared responsibility among its members. You’re not just another policy number—you’re part of a group working together to manage healthcare costs effectively.

A More Personal Approach to Healthcare

ShareWELL offers employees the chance to take control of their healthcare in a flexible, personalized, and cost-effective way. By understanding the limitations, particularly regarding pre-existing conditions, employees can make informed decisions about whether ShareWELL is the right fit for them and their families.

This customizable approach—where you can mix and match healthcare products—empowers you to create a healthcare solution tailored to your needs. While it may take more thought upfront, the potential for savings and freedom of choice makes it a compelling alternative to traditional group plans.

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