Unlike most ACA-qualified plans sold on the Exchanges, which are primarily HMOs and PPOs, healthsharing plans do not require you to get non-emergency care from your providers.

This means you can use your healthsharing benefits with any provider you choose.

Additionally, because you are technically uninsured as a healthsharing organization member, you can often qualify for a special cash pay or discount at many providers.

When you get care, ask your provider for the best available cash discount payor.

Most healthsharing plans provide a concierge service that can help you locate providers that offer the best possible value, and can help you negotiate competitive pricing for medical procedures in advance.

All these things help contribute to the overall lower cost of healthsharing organizations versus traditional health insurance.