If you’re searching for affordable health insurance, there’s a good chance you’re trying to answer a pretty basic question:
What’s the best way to get the healthcare I need without spending a fortune every month?
For most people, there are a few places to start.
If your employer offers health insurance, start there.
Employer-sponsored insurance can be a great option — particularly when your employer pays a significant portion of the monthly cost.
But don’t assume that having an employer option automatically makes it affordable.
Look closely at what you’ll actually pay each month, whether the provider network includes the doctors you want, and whether the benefits make sense for you and your family.
Even with an employer contribution, some households can still find themselves paying hundreds of dollars every month.
If you’re buying healthcare yourself, check the ACA Marketplace.
ACA Marketplace plans can be especially valuable for people who qualify for substantial federal financial assistance.
But 2026 brought some major changes.
The enhanced federal premium tax credits that had made Marketplace plans less expensive for millions of Americans expired at the end of 2025. At the same time, insurers increased the price of ACA Marketplace plans by an average of about 26% for 2026 before tax credits.
How much any individual actually pays depends on income, age, location, household size, available tax credits and the program selected. But for many people shopping for healthcare on their own, the result is the same:
The traditional options can still feel really expensive.
So if your employer option costs more than you’d like...
And the Marketplace isn’t giving you the affordability you were hoping for...
There’s another option you may not have considered.
Healthcare sharing with WeShare Health.
WeShare Health offers individuals and families a more affordable way to access healthcare — with a nationwide PPO network, familiar provider billing experience, everyday healthcare resources, and support for larger eligible medical expenses.
And members can spend up to 60% less than with comparable traditional health insurance.
Calculate my savingsA more affordable way to get the healthcare you need
WeShare Health is a nonprofit healthcare sharing organization created for people looking for a more affordable alternative to traditional health insurance.
Members can spend 40–60% less than with comparable traditional health insurance — while still getting access to the doctors, services and everyday healthcare resources they expect.
And although WeShare is healthcare sharing rather than insurance, the experience is designed to feel familiar.
1
You choose the WeShare program that fits your household and budget.
2
You receive a member ID and access to a nationwide PPO network with more than 1 million doctors and specialists.
3
When you need care, you visit an in-network provider and show your member ID.
4
Your provider generally sends the bill directly to WeShare, where eligible expenses are processed according to your program guidelines.
You get the care you need. WeShare helps take care of the rest.
See if I qualifyWeShare Health is healthcare sharing, not insurance. Membership eligibility and sharing are subject to program guidelines.
Paying less doesn’t mean giving up the healthcare you actually use
One of the biggest concerns people have when considering a less expensive healthcare option is what they might have to sacrifice.
With WeShare, affordability doesn’t mean starting from scratch with your healthcare.
More than 1 million doctors and specialists
WeShare members have access to the largest PPO network in America, with more than 1 million doctors and specialists.
That means there’s a strong chance doctors you already know and trust participate — and if you need someone new, you have a large national network to choose from.
Find your doctor
Unlimited Amwell telehealth — included
Every WeShare program includes unlimited Amwell telehealth at no additional cost. Members can connect virtually with healthcare professionals for services including:
Primary care
Urgent care
Dermatology
Behavioral health
Nutrition support
Lactation consulting
For many common healthcare needs, you may not even have to leave home.
BetterHelp therapy sessions — included
Every WeShare program also includes a number of BetterHelp virtual therapy sessions at no additional cost, giving members convenient access to professional mental health support.
Prescription savings nationwide
Members have access to pre-negotiated prescription pricing through the CVS Caremark network, including participating locations at many of the country’s largest pharmacy retailers.
Dental, vision & hearing
Discounts on exams, glasses, LASIK, hearing aids, and more through Carrington Dental and EyeMed Vision.
Support for everyday care — and the unexpected
Depending on the WeShare program you select, eligible healthcare can include preventive care, primary care, specialists, urgent care, emergency care, diagnostic testing, hospital care and other medical needs.
Because saving money on healthcare only matters if your healthcare is there when you need it.
An affordable alternative that may feel familiar
How does WeShare work?
While WeShare is healthcare sharing rather than insurance, the day-to-day experience is designed to work the way you’re already used to.
1
Go to the doctor.
WeShare members can access more than 1 million doctors and specialists nationwide through the nation’s largest PPO network.
2
Show your member ID.
Just like you’re accustomed to doing when receiving healthcare.
3
Your provider sends the bill to WeShare.
For in-network care, you generally aren’t expected to pay upfront, seek reimbursement, or jump through tedious hoops.
4
WeShare helps handle the rest.
WeShare reviews eligible expenses according to your program guidelines and facilitates payment from shared member funds.
You get healthcare. Your provider handles the billing. WeShare helps take care of eligible expenses.
That’s the part most people care about.
See how much WeShare would cost meSo why can WeShare cost so much less?
There are several reasons.
01
First, WeShare is a nonprofit organization. It exists to serve its member community rather than generate profits for shareholders.
02
Second, WeShare is a selective membership community with eligibility requirements and guidelines designed to encourage proactive healthcare and responsible participation.
03
And third, WeShare operates differently from a traditional health insurance company.
That different structure allows qualifying members to access healthcare while potentially spending substantially less each month.
WeShare members can spend up to 60% less than with comparable traditional health insurance.
For someone spending hundreds — or even more than $1,000 — every month on traditional insurance, the difference can add up quickly.
Calculate my savingsDon’t just take our word for it.
Google rating
4.5
Based on 1,481 reviews
Trustpilot rating
4.8
Based on 331 reviews
“My total expenses were close to $1 Million and We Share took care of business with little to no hiccups to speak of. I would highly recommend WeShare to any of my friends or family members.”
Mark
Jun 30, 2026
“Excellent! Great customer service. Responsive, professional and very friendly. Very knowledgeable and helpful!”
Bo
Jun 9, 2026
"On my old insurance I would have had to call my insurance to get approval then find and travel to a local doctor. WeShare made it so quick and easy to get good healthcare! I am just so grateful.”
Heather
Mar 30, 2026
“It is so refreshing to have someone to help navigate us through all our healthcare needs. We have absolutely loved this company!"
Staci
Mar 26, 2026
Is WeShare Health right for you?
WeShare isn’t necessarily the right answer for every person searching for affordable healthcare.
If your employer is paying most of the cost of an excellent health insurance program, replacing it may not make financial sense.
And if you qualify for substantial ACA Marketplace tax credits, make sure you understand what your Marketplace options would actually cost before deciding.
But WeShare may be worth a serious look if you:
Pay hundreds — or thousands — of dollars each month for your own health insurance
Are self-employed, a freelancer or an independent contractor
Are changing jobs or between employer programs
Own a small business
Are retiring before becoming eligible for Medicare
Want access to a large nationwide PPO network
Want virtual care and mental health support included with membership
Want the flexibility to apply without waiting for an annual Open Enrollment period
Are comfortable choosing an alternative to traditional health insurance in exchange for substantial monthly savings
There is also one important membership requirement to know.
WeShare Health was created for the Christian community.
WeShare is a Christian healthcare sharing organization, and its programs are available to people who identify as Christian and meet the organization’s other membership requirements.
You don’t need to belong to a particular denomination. But members are asked to agree to WeShare’s shared Christian values and community guidelines as part of joining.
If that describes you, the next step is simply finding out whether WeShare could work for your household.
See if I qualifyYou don’t have to wait for open enrollment
Another important difference for people searching for healthcare outside the usual enrollment season:
You can apply for WeShare throughout the year.
There is no restricted annual Open Enrollment window like there is with ACA Marketplace insurance.
That can make WeShare especially useful if you’ve:
Recently left a job
Started working for yourself
Become an independent contractor
Missed an enrollment deadline
Had your healthcare needs change
Simply decided you’re paying too much and want to explore another option
You don’t need to wait until next year to see whether you qualify.
See if I qualifyHow does WeShare compare with the options you’re probably considering?
Employer / traditional insurance
ACA Marketplace
WeShare Health
Monthly cost
Varies
Varies substantially based on financial assistance
Can be up to 60% less than comparable traditional insurance
Nationwide provider access
Depends on program
Depends on program
1M+ doctors and specialists
Provider bills organization directly
Typically
Typically
Yes, for in-network care
Member ID
Yes
Yes
Yes
Telehealth
Varies
Varies
Unlimited Amwell included
Mental health resources
Varies
Varies
BetterHelp sessions included
Can apply year-round
Sometimes
Generally requires Open Enrollment or qualifying event
Yes
Structure
Insurance
Insurance
Healthcare sharing
Monthly cost
Employer / traditional insurance
Varies
ACA Marketplace
Varies substantially based on financial assistance
WeShare Health
Can be up to 60% less than comparable traditional insurance
Nationwide provider access
Employer / traditional insurance
Depends on program
ACA Marketplace
Depends on program
WeShare Health
1M+ doctors and specialists
Provider bills organization directly
Employer / traditional insurance
Typically
ACA Marketplace
Typically
WeShare Health
Yes, for in-network care
Member ID
Employer / traditional insurance
Yes
ACA Marketplace
Yes
WeShare Health
Yes
Telehealth
Employer / traditional insurance
Varies
ACA Marketplace
Varies
WeShare Health
Unlimited Amwell included
Mental health resources
Employer / traditional insurance
Varies
ACA Marketplace
Varies
WeShare Health
BetterHelp sessions included
Can apply year-round
Employer / traditional insurance
Sometimes
ACA Marketplace
Generally requires Open Enrollment or qualifying event
WeShare Health
Yes
Structure
Employer / traditional insurance
Insurance
ACA Marketplace
Insurance
WeShare Health
Healthcare sharing
Important: Employer-sponsored or ACA Marketplace insurance may be an excellent value if an employer is contributing substantially toward your cost or you qualify for significant financial assistance.
WeShare becomes particularly worth exploring when you’re paying a large portion of your healthcare costs yourself.
Before you decide, know what you’re choosing
Every healthcare option comes with tradeoffs.
Traditional insurance is a regulated insurance contract. You pay premiums, and the insurer is contractually obligated to pay expenses that meet the terms of that policy.
WeShare works differently.
Members voluntarily participate in a healthcare sharing community, and eligible medical expenses are shared according to the applicable Membership Guidelines.
Before joining, you should review the program you’re considering, understand its guidelines and make sure it fits the way you expect to use healthcare.
That’s also why the best comparison isn’t simply “which monthly price is lowest?”
It’s:
1
What am I paying each month?
2
What doctors can I see?
3
What healthcare resources are included?
4
What am I responsible for when I need care?
5
And what am I getting for the money I’m spending?
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my current doctor?
In many cases, yes. WeShare’s nationwide PPO network includes more than 1 million doctors and specialists, so there’s a strong chance your current provider already participates.
You can check your doctor before joining.
What happens when I need medical care?
For in-network care, you show your WeShare member ID and pay any applicable Member Care Visit amount associated with your program.
Your provider generally sends the bill directly to WeShare. Our team reviews the expense according to your program guidelines and facilitates the sharing of eligible medical expenses.
Is WeShare Health insurance?
No. WeShare Health is healthcare sharing — a nonprofit alternative to traditional health insurance.
The structure is different, but many parts of accessing healthcare are intentionally familiar: members use a nationwide PPO network, present a member ID, visit doctors and specialists, and generally have in-network providers submit bills directly to WeShare.
Is there an enrollment period?
No. You can apply to join WeShare Health at any time.
There is no restricted annual Open Enrollment window like there is with ACA Marketplace plans.
Are telehealth and therapy included?
Yes.
Every WeShare program includes unlimited Amwell telehealth visits at no additional cost, as well as a specified number of BetterHelp virtual therapy sessions at no additional cost.
What is an Annual Member Care Share?
The Annual Member Care Share, or AMCS, is the amount a household is responsible for before certain eligible medical expenses become eligible for sharing through the community.
If you're familiar with traditional insurance, it's similar in concept to a deductible, although WeShare is not insurance.
Can I join with a pre-existing condition?
In many cases, yes. Having a pre-existing condition does not automatically disqualify you from WeShare membership.
How expenses related to pre-existing conditions are treated depends on the program you select, so it's important to review the applicable Membership Guidelines before joining.
Do I have to be Christian to join?
Yes.
WeShare Health was established for members of the Christian community, and programs are available to people who identify as Christian and meet WeShare's other eligibility requirements.
WeShare is nondenominational, so membership is not limited to any one Christian denomination.
Is WeShare available everywhere?
WeShare is available to residents of most U.S. states.
Residents of Alaska, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Montana, North Dakota and Washington are not currently eligible for membership.
