Medi-Share Cost Calculator
Estimated Monthly Share:
*Estimates based on standard community rates. Actual costs may vary by specific location and health history.
What Is medishare cost calculator?
A Medi-Share cost calculator is a specialized digital tool designed to help individuals and families estimate their monthly contributions to the Medi-Share healthcare sharing ministry. Medi-Share is a faith-based alternative to traditional health insurance where members pool their resources to pay for each other's medical expenses. Unlike the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulated insurance plans, Medi-Share operates on the principle of voluntary sharing among a community of believers. The calculator takes into account several critical factors including the age of the oldest member in the household, the total number of people being covered, and the Annual Household Portion (AHP). The AHP is conceptually similar to a deductible; it is the amount a household agrees to pay for their own medical needs before the wider community begins to share in the remaining costs. This calculator provides financial transparency, allowing prospective members to compare these costs against traditional ACA marketplace plans or employer-provided health benefits. For many, understanding the "Monthly Share" is the first step in deciding whether to transition to a health-sharing model that emphasizes Christian values and mutual support over corporate insurance structures.
How the Calculator Works
The logic behind the Medi-Share cost calculator is based on actuarial data utilized by healthcare sharing ministries to ensure the community can meet all eligible medical needs. The formula begins with a base share amount, which is then adjusted using specific multipliers. First, the age factor is applied; as individuals age, their statistical likelihood of requiring medical services increases, resulting in higher monthly shares. Second, the household size factor scales the cost for couples and families, though often at a lower per-person rate than individual plans. Finally, the Annual Household Portion (AHP) creates an inverse relationship with the monthly share: a higher AHP (such as $12,000) will significantly lower the monthly share, while a lower AHP (such as $3,000) will result in a higher monthly contribution. This flexibility allows users to balance their monthly budget against their potential out-of-pocket exposure during a medical event. Our calculator replicates this logic to provide a near-instant estimate of your financial commitment.
Why Use Our Calculator?
1. Precision Budgeting
By using our tool, you can move beyond guesswork. Understanding your exact monthly share allows you to integrate your healthcare costs into a broader financial plan, including retirement contributions and emergency fund savings.
2. Comparing AHP Options
Choosing an AHP is a major decision. Our calculator allows you to toggle between $3,000 and $12,000 AHP levels instantly, showing you exactly how much you save monthly by taking on a higher initial responsibility.
3. Informed Decision Making
Transitioning from traditional insurance to a ministry can be daunting. Having hard numbers helps you compare Medi-Share costs with premiums from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or private providers.
4. Family Planning
Whether you are a couple planning for children or a large family, our calculator adjusts to your household size, helping you see how your costs will evolve as your family grows.
5. Time Efficiency
Instead of waiting for a sales representative or navigating complex PDF rate tables, our tool provides an immediate answer, empowering you to research on your own terms.
How to Use the Calculator
Using the Medi-Share cost calculator is straightforward and requires no personal identifying information. First, enter the age of the oldest member of your household into the age field. This is the primary driver of cost in the Medi-Share model. Second, select your household size from the dropdown menu, choosing between "Single," "Couple," or "Family." Note that "Family" typically covers three or more individuals regardless of the total number of children. Third, select your desired Annual Household Portion (AHP). If you are healthy and rarely visit the doctor, a higher AHP might be more cost-effective. If you have ongoing needs, a lower AHP might be preferable. Finally, click the "Calculate" button to see your estimated monthly share. You may also want to use our health savings calculator to see how these costs compare to other tax-advantaged accounts.
Example Calculations
Example 1: The Young Professional. A 28-year-old single individual choosing a $6,000 AHP might see an estimated monthly share of approximately $180. This reflects a lower risk profile and a moderate level of personal financial responsibility for medical events.
Example 2: The Established Family. A 45-year-old head of household with a spouse and three children choosing a $9,000 AHP might see a monthly share of roughly $650. This demonstrates the efficiency of the family rate, which often provides significant savings compared to per-person premiums in traditional insurance.
Use Cases for Medi-Share
Medi-Share is particularly popular among certain demographics. The self-employed and small business owners often find the monthly shares to be 30-50% lower than traditional unsubsidized ACA plans. Early retirees who are not yet eligible for Medicare often use Medi-Share as a bridge, utilizing this calculator to ensure they don't deplete their savings before reaching age 65. Additionally, those who prioritize a faith-based community find that the ability to pray for other members and know their money is not supporting procedures that conflict with their beliefs is a major use case. It is also a great companion for those who utilize a life insurance calculator to ensure their family's total financial protection is robust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Medi-Share insurance?
No, Medi-Share is a healthcare sharing ministry. It is a community of members who share each other's medical bills. It does not guarantee payment of medical bills like an insurance company does, though it has a long history of sharing all eligible needs.
What is the Annual Household Portion (AHP)?
The AHP is the amount your household must pay for eligible medical expenses before those expenses can be shared among the Medi-Share community. It resets annually.
Can I use an HSA with Medi-Share?
Because Medi-Share is not a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), it is generally not compatible with new Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions. However, you can still use existing HSA funds to pay for eligible AHP expenses.
Does age affect the cost?
Yes, Medi-Share uses age-based tiers. As the oldest member of the household enters a new age bracket, the Monthly Share amount typically increases to reflect the statistical increase in healthcare utilization.
Conclusion
Deciding on a healthcare solution is one of the most significant financial choices a household can make. The Medi-Share cost calculator provides the essential data needed to evaluate whether a healthcare sharing ministry is the right fit for your budget and your values. By adjusting age, household size, and AHP levels, you can find a monthly share that provides peace of mind without overextending your finances. As you plan your healthcare future, remember to consider the community aspect of Medi-Share, where sharing medical costs is part of a larger commitment to supporting one another in faith and health.