How to Maximize Your Health Sharing Coverage: 10 Insider Tips

You've chosen health sharing for your family—great decision! Now let's make sure you're getting the absolute most value from your membership. Here are 10 insider tips from our most satisfied members.

1. Use Virtual Care for Everything (Except Emergencies)

The tip: Your 24/7 virtual care is $0. Use it liberally.

Why it matters: Virtual care is perfect for:

• Cold and flu symptoms
• Minor infections
• Medication refills
• Behavioral health concerns
• After-hours questions

Real savings: One urgent care visit costs $150–$300. One virtual visit costs $0. If you use virtual care just twice a year instead of urgent care, you save $300–$600 annually.

Action: Download the member app and bookmark the virtual care line. Keep it handy for when you need quick medical advice.

2. Schedule Your Annual Physical Early

The tip: Don't wait until December to schedule your annual physical.

Why it matters: Your annual physical is covered under your 6 annual PCP visits. It's the perfect time to:

• Get preventive screenings
• Discuss chronic conditions
• Update medications
• Address health concerns before they become expensive

Real savings: Preventive care can catch issues early, potentially avoiding expensive emergency room visits or hospitalizations.

Action: Call your doctor in January and schedule your annual physical for February or March.

3. Know Your Free Prescription List

The tip: Over 1,000 medications are free. Make sure your regular medications are on the list.

Why it matters: If your regular medications aren't on the free list, you might be able to:

• Ask your doctor for a generic alternative that is free
• Use mail order (900+ free medications) instead of retail
• Take advantage of the $35 specialist visit to discuss alternatives

Real savings: One prescription can cost $50–$300/month. Free prescriptions save thousands annually.

Action: Review the free prescription list before enrolling. If your medications aren't included, discuss alternatives with your doctor.

4. Use Mail Order for Regular Medications

The tip: ~900 medications are free via mail order (shipping only). ~100 are free at retail.

Why it matters: Mail order is perfect for:

• Regular maintenance medications
• Medications you take long-term
• Bulk orders (90-day supplies)

Real savings: Mail order is often cheaper than retail, and you get a 90-day supply at once.

Action: Ask your doctor to send prescriptions to the mail order pharmacy for regular medications.

5. Maximize Your 6 Annual PCP Visits

The tip: You get 6 visits per year to your primary care doctor. Use them strategically.

Why it matters: Your PCP visits cover:

• Annual physical
• Chronic condition management
• Preventive care discussions
• Medication management
• Referrals to specialists

Real savings: One specialist visit without a referral costs $35. One specialist visit with a referral from your PCP is covered.

Action: Plan your 6 visits strategically:

• Visit 1: Annual physical (January)
• Visit 2: Spring checkup (April)
• Visit 3: Chronic condition follow-up (June)
• Visit 4: Summer checkup (July)
• Visit 5: Fall checkup (September)
• Visit 6: Year-end visit (November)

6. Understand Your Monthly Responsible Amount (MRA)

The tip: Know your MRA before you need care.

Why it matters: Your MRA is like a deductible. Once you meet it, specialist visits and other services are covered. Understanding it helps you:

• Budget for healthcare costs
• Plan specialist visits strategically
• Avoid surprise bills

Real savings: If your MRA is $500 and you need a specialist visit, you know the maximum you'll pay is $500 + $35 visit fee.

Action: Review your plan documents to understand your specific MRA. Call our team if you have questions.

7. Take Advantage of Partner Discounts

The tip: Vision, hearing, and equipment discounts are often overlooked.

Why it matters: You can save on:

• Eye exams and glasses (up to 30% off)
• Hearing aids (significant discounts)
• Medical equipment (braces, crutches, etc.)
• Dental (if you add SmileShare)

Real savings: New glasses typically cost $200–$400. A 25% discount saves $50–$100.

Action: Visit the member portal and explore all available partner discounts. Bookmark the ones you might use.

8. Use the Shopping & Travel Portal

The tip: The member portal includes exclusive deals worth ~$250/year.

Why it matters: You can save on:

• Hotel accommodations (up to 40% off)
• Flight bookings (exclusive rates)
• Restaurant dining (cashback)
• Shopping (partner discounts)

Real savings: One family vacation can save $300–$500 through the portal.

Action: Before booking travel or shopping, check the member portal for available discounts.

9. Schedule Preventive Screenings

The tip: Preventive care is covered. Use it to catch issues early.

Why it matters: Preventive screenings can:

• Catch diseases early (when treatment is less expensive)
• Identify risk factors
• Prevent expensive emergency situations
• Qualify you for wellness discounts

Real savings: Early detection of conditions like diabetes or hypertension can save thousands in future treatment costs.

Action: Ask your doctor about recommended preventive screenings for your age and health status.

10. Build a Relationship with Your PCP

The tip: Your primary care doctor is your healthcare partner.

Why it matters: A good PCP will:

• Know your health history
• Provide preventive care guidance
• Manage chronic conditions
• Refer you to specialists when needed
• Help you navigate the health sharing process

Real savings: Good preventive care and chronic disease management can prevent expensive complications.

Action: Choose a PCP you trust and schedule regular visits. Communicate openly about your health concerns and goals.

Bonus Tip: Join the Community

The tip: Health sharing is about community. Engage with other members.

Why it matters: Other members can:

• Share their experiences
• Recommend providers
• Suggest cost-saving strategies
• Provide emotional support

Real savings: Learning from other members' experiences can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Action: Join member forums, attend community events, and connect with other members.

The Bottom Line

Maximizing your health sharing coverage is about being proactive, strategic, and engaged. By following these 10 tips, you can:

✓ Reduce out-of-pocket costs ✓ Prevent expensive complications ✓ Get better preventive care ✓ Take advantage of all available benefits ✓ Build a strong healthcare team

Ready to get started? Get a free quote today and start maximizing your health sharing coverage.