Jane and Jillian are both excitedly preparing for the arrival of their babies, embracing a holistic approach to pregnancy. Each has chosen a homebirth supported by a doula, and both are committed to making their pregnancy journeys as natural and personal as possible.
Their prenatal and birthing plans are nearly identical. Their financial experiences, however, could not be more different—a contrast that highlights the gap between ShareWELL's healthcare-sharing model and traditional insurance.
Jane's Story: A ShareWELL Member
As a ShareWELL member, Jane's healthcare journey is smooth and financially manageable. With a $1,500 Unshared Amount (UA) in place, she begins her prenatal care knowing exactly what her out-of-pocket expenses will be.
ShareWELL works by having members cover an initial portion of their medical costs—the Unshared Amount—while anything beyond that is shared among the community. This structure makes 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 tapping into ShareWELL's support, she keeps her total healthcare expenses under $10,000. Because of this, she even qualifies for a reduction in her share of those costs—a relief that makes an already positive experience better, both financially and emotionally.
ShareWELL's model lets Jane enjoy the pre- and postnatal care she prefers—acupuncture, chiropractic, and pelvic floor exercises—with the community as a financial safety net that absorbs the burden of unexpected or excessive costs.
Jillian's Story: Traditional Coverage
By contrast, Jillian's experience with traditional coverage is far more expensive and stressful. Despite choosing the same holistic services as Jane—a homebirth with doula support—she shoulders a much heavier financial burden.
Her plan carries a $7,000 deductible, meaning she must pay that substantial amount out of pocket before her insurance covers anything. On top of that, additional expenses fall outside her plan's coverage entirely, quickly adding up and straining her budget.
By the time Jillian has paid for all of her prenatal and birthing costs, she is dealing with a significant financial load that clouds an otherwise joyful experience.
Two Healthy Births, Two Very Different Journeys
Both moms experience healthy pregnancies and births, but their financial journeys are worlds apart. Thanks to ShareWELL, Jane can focus on her pregnancy without the looming stress of overwhelming costs, supported by the providers she trusts and a community-based model built for financial sustainability.
Jillian, meanwhile, must juggle the joy of impending motherhood with the anxiety of mounting medical bills. Her high deductible and limited coverage for holistic care make for a far more stressful and expensive path.
The ShareWELL Difference
Ultimately, the gap between Jane's and Jillian's experiences shows the distinct advantages of ShareWELL's approach. By offering a more flexible, compassionate, and affordable way to manage healthcare, ShareWELL gives moms like Jane the peace of mind to fully embrace one of life's most important moments: the birth of their child.