College is a busy time of life. As a college student, you have to juggle a lot—homework, tests, friendships, student debt, etc. In college, you start to make the transition from childhood to adulthood, which means you have many new responsibilities.
The last thing you want to think about as a student is how you’ll pay for medical bills or doctor’s visits.
But accidents do happen, and doctor’s visits are a necessary part of life.
One option for college students living on a tight budget is Medi-Share, an affordable alternative to health insurance.
How Does Medi-Share Work?
If you’re not familiar with Medi-Share, you should start by understanding the basics of this health-sharing system.
Medi-Share is an alternative to traditional health insurance, where members share one another’s medical bills.
Medi-Share was created as a faith-based non-profit in 1993 and has since become the second largest health care sharing system in the United States.
Unlike a traditional health insurance plan, Medi-Share members contribute a fixed dollar amount to their own savings account every month.
When a fellow Medi-Share member needs to pay their medical bills, they submit a request for the amount they need covered.
If the bill is approved by a committee vote, the request will be paid directly to the healthcare provider, using funds from other members’ savings accounts.
In this way, Medi-Share allows members to share one another’s medical bills, on a case-by-case basis.
What Are the Benefits of Medi-Share for College Students?
So, as a college student, why should you consider Medi-Share?
Students are often reticent to invest in a traditional health care plan. For the most part, college students are relatively healthy, and usually living on tight budgets, which makes paying for regular health insurance difficult.
Thankfully, Medi-Share is more flexible than a conventional health insurance plan, making it a viable option for students.
Cost Effective
Compared to regular health insurance plans, Medi-Share is relatively cost-effective.
Medi-Share offers a variety of program options, with plans designed specifically for the needs of families and single people.
Different from health insurance, there is no monthly premium attached to a Medi-Share plan. Instead, you’ll pay a monthly share fee, with the amount you pay based on your age and marital status.
On average, Medi-Share members save up to 50% or more per month on health care than those using traditional health insurance, making Medi-Share a worthwhile investment for students on a tight budget.
Health Incentive Discounts
Medi-Share also allows for more control over your expenses by offering a reduction of the monthly share amounts if you meet certain health criteria.
You can actually qualify for up to 20% off your monthly share amount through Medi-Share’s health incentive program.
To qualify, you’ll have to verify your blood pressure, BMI, and weight.
Essentially, the health incentive discount offered by Medi-Share means leading a healthy lifestyle can save you money in the long-run.
As a college student, Medi-Share’s health incentive plan provides an easy way to save money on your health coverage.
Inclusivity
Unlike other health care plans, membership is not affected by your state of residence or employment status.
This can be especially beneficial for college students whose plans after graduation are still unclear.
Additional Perks
Medi-Share also offers several additional advantages for its members.
With Medi-Share, you can get discounts on prescriptions through companies like GoodRx and NeedyMeds.
This is a great perk, especially for the college student on a budget.
Additionally, Medi-Share offers a Refer a Friend discount. You can earn $100 just by telling a friend about Medi-Share.
The additional advantages offered by Medi-Share makes this health care sharing program even more cost effective for members.
Learn More About Medi-Share For Students
If you are a current college student or recent grad looking for affordable health insurance options, Medi-Share may be the perfect option for you.
Medi-Share can be a very affordable alternative to traditional health care, especially for students seeking more flexible options.
If you want to know more about Medi-Share or other health insurance options for college students, contact a local insurance agent. Agent Michael Suhany in the Kosciusko County area can help you navigate the ins-and-outs of Medi-Share and decide whether this plan is right for you. Contact him today!