At ShareWELL , we understand the importance of preventive care and early detection of potential health issues. That’s why we offer an annual Sharing Allowance for our members with the ShareWELL Plus membership to use towards Life Line Screening services. Here’s everything you need to know about Life Line Screening and how to benefit from it as a ShareWELL member.

What is Life Line Screening?

Life Line Screening is a company that provides affordable, convenient, and non-invasive preventive health screenings. These screenings help identify risk factors for various health conditions, enabling early intervention and management.

Key Services Offered by Life Line Screening:

1. Cardiovascular Screenings:

• • Carotid Artery Screening: Detects plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the brain, which can help prevent strokes.
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Screening: Identifies blockages in the leg arteries, which can indicate an increased risk for heart disease.
  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening: Checks for an enlargement of the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

1. Bone Health Screenings:

1. • Osteoporosis Risk Assessment: Ultrasound technology is used to measure bone density and assess the risk of osteoporosis.

1. Other Screenings:

• • Atrial Fibrillation Screening: Detects irregular heartbeats, which can lead to stroke.
  • Type 2 Diabetes Screening: Assesses risk factors for diabetes through blood glucose levels.

Benefits of Life Line Screening:

1. Early Detection: Identifying health risks early allows timely intervention and management, potentially preventing serious health issues.
2. Peace of Mind: Knowing your health status can provide reassurance and help you make informed health decisions.
3. Convenience: Screenings are conducted at local community locations, making accessing these important services easy.
4. Comprehensive Results: Receive detailed reports that you can share with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized health plan.

Annual Sharing Allowance for ShareWELL Members

At age 40, ShareWELL members are eligible for an annual Sharing Allowance of $249 for Life Line Screening services. This allowance helps cover the cost of screenings, making it more affordable to take advantage of these preventive health measures.

How to Use Your Sharing Allowance

1. Schedule an Appointment: Visit lifelinescreening.com to schedule your screening. You can book online, by phone, or via mail.
2. Attend the Screening: Go to the designated location on your appointment date and complete the selected screenings.
3. Submit for Sharing: Submit the expenses to ShareWELL Health after your screening.

Preventive health screenings are a vital part of maintaining good health and well-being. Using your annual Sharing Allowance towards Life Line Screening services, you can take proactive steps to monitor your health and address potential issues early.

For more information and resources, visit our website or contact us directly.

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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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Navigating self-pay healthcare can be empowering, especially with the right tools and a thoughtful plan. Taking an active role in your care allows you to control costs, make informed decisions, and choose the best providers for your needs. Presenting to a healthcare provider this way can be new to many, but that does not mean it must be difficult.

Advocacy

One of the most valuable resources for self-pay patients is healthcare advocacy. An advocate can guide you through unfamiliar processes, help you understand pricing, and ensure you’re presented with all available options — not just those tied to specific networks or insurance contracts.

Unlike conventional insurance call centers that steer you to in-network providers, a personalized advocacy service focuses on your unique needs. Whether scheduling a procedure, comparing prices, or negotiating bills, advocates can act as your guide, helping you make smarter choices and avoid unnecessary costs.

Pricing Tools

All ShareWELL members have tools in their member portal, “Healthcare Shopping Tools,” that give them various self-pay resources for different aspects of healthcare. Knowing what you should pay for care is a powerful advantage. Self-pay patients can leverage pricing transparency tools like Turquoise Health or MD Save to research fair market prices for medical services, lab work, and procedures.

For lab tests, using services like Quest Labs or Grassroots Labs can help you secure direct-to-consumer pricing, often at a fraction of the cost billed to insurance. The ability to shop around gives you the power to choose the best value for your care.

Presenting Yourself as a Self-Pay Patient

A critical — and often overlooked — advantage of self-pay is declaring your status upfront. Letting providers know you are self-pay helps you avoid being funneled through automated traditional billing systems, which are not designed to work with direct-pay patients.

When you identify yourself as self-pay, you can ask about cash discounts, financial applications, or bundled service pricing that is typically lower than insurance-negotiated rates. Many providers appreciate the simplicity of direct payment and are willing to offer better rates in exchange for faster payment with less administrative hassle.

Instant Debit Card

For self-pay patients within the ShareWELL community, the Instant Debit Card is a powerful tool to simplify payments and unlock savings. Instead of navigating complex billing or waiting for reimbursements, members can use the card to pay providers directly — before, during, or after their appointment. This not only gives members control over their healthcare spending but also makes it easier to request self-pay discounts and settle bills immediately, which many providers appreciate and reward with lower rates. By combining direct payment with transparent pricing and proactive communication, the Instant Debit Card helps self-pay patients stay organized, save money, and eliminate surprises regarding their healthcare costs.

Paying Upfront for Discounts

Whenever possible, pay for services upfront. This can unlock significant savings, as many providers offer lower rates for patients who settle their bills at the time of service. This reduces administrative costs for providers and helps you have peace of mind that your bills are paid, allowing you to get healthy.

Conclusion

Being a self-pay patient doesn’t mean navigating healthcare alone. You can take control of your healthcare journey with the right combination of advocacy, pricing tools, and proactive communication. By understanding your options, comparing prices, and negotiating confidently, you can achieve high-quality care at a fair price on your terms.

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Healthcare Shopping Tools

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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.

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