A Houston-based direct care doctor and health podcaster has challenged the orthodoxies over health coverage by arguing that health share programs represent a valid alternative to traditional Affordable Care Act (ACA) policies.
The growing interest in health share ministries comes as lawmakers remain divided over extending ACA tax subsidies. If Congress does not extend these tax credits, the monthly expense for millions of enrollees skyrocket and could mean some people have to drop ACA coverage completely.
Dr. Arti Thangudu, a local endocrinologist who hosts the podcast “Endocrine matters,” told KPRC that cost sharing plans should be seriously considered by those who are relatively healthy and seeking lower premiums. Health share plans require members to agree to share medical expenses by contributing to a pool designated to cover medical bills, though plans vary widely based on medical needs.
Dr. Thangudu told KPRC that the suitability of these plans is contingent on the individual’s health status. ”These work best for people who are relatively healthy,” she says. “If you have chronic medical problems and you know you’re going to frequently go to the hospital, it’s probably not the best fit.”
However, for individuals who do not require frequent trips to the doctor or costly prescription medication regularly, or for those who find their overall premiums too high, a health share plan could be beneficial.
The endocrinologist told KPRC that people who are self-employed and healthy are prime candidates for this alternative. “If you notice you’re paying too much, or if you’re self-employed and relatively healthy, then I think a cost share is something to seriously consider,” Thangudu said.
Dr. Thangudu added that if ACA tax credits are not extended—a determination expected via a Senate vote next month—brokers are already recommending health shares to those who must waive their ACA coverage.
The doctor told KPRC that the recommendation provides a crucial safety net: “I speak to several brokers and that’s their first thing to recommend to people falling off the ACA. People can at least get catastrophic coverage so they’re not scared to go to the hospital if they’re having an emergency in the middle of the night.”